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iPhone 7 Release, Fall Trends & Other Important Issues

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from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Because it’s a Tuesday that feels like a Monday

First, we have three more weeks of summer, so everyone remain calm. You don’t need to start wearing heavy knits and wool. Second, don’t put your white pants away just yet.

Maybe a new watch is on your list of things to invest in for fall. Perhaps even one from Steve Jobs’s estate?

Or, if you’re sticking to clothing, perhaps a double breasted coat, thermal or some serious shoes are more your vibe?

But if you’re only going to make one big pre-fall purchase, definitely invest in a suede jacket like Brian did last last season. I can personally guarantee that women will be petting you in it.

Today’s most important style lesson: just because a celebrity wears something (i.e. a pinky ring), doesn’t mean others should.

I myself am not interested in the new iPhone release later this week, and am counting down the days until my contract is up to switch to Samsung. Apparently, I’m not the only one.

Because everything, even drones, end up becoming something to use to spy on your partner.

Whether you loved him because of Willy Wonka, or were a fan of his nuttier side in Young Frankenstein, Gene Wilder was a special talent.

These Porsche 911 by Singer cars give me all the feels.

And imagine driving it here.

Next time you go to a wedding, you may be asked to put your phone away and have, like, actual real fun.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Robin West
He Spoke Style

The post iPhone 7 Release, Fall Trends & Other Important Issues first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice


Style Defined: Brogues

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brogue shoes mens guide

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

What is a brogue shoe?

It never ceases to amaze me how many pieces of classic menswear began as rugged, workingman’s attire only to evolve over the years into staples of the classy, refined gentleman. The brogue shoe is yet another perfect example.

First, what exactly is a brogue, or brogueing? 90-percent of the time, a brogue shoe refers to a wingtip shoe. But it’s not the stitching that makes it brogue. Rather, it’s the perforations that have come to be associated with wingtip stitching in particular.

brogue shoes mens guide

That said, those perforations can also be found on plain toe shoes, cap toe shoes, loafers, boots, you name it. Originally, the perforations went all the way through the shoe, but now usually only penetrate the outer layer of leather.

brogue shoes mens guide

And that clues us in on the brogue’s working past as the all-the-way-through perforations used to serve a very practical purpose.

Brogues were originally designed for, and worn by, peat farmers in the UK who worked in swampy, boggy fields. When wearing traditional shoes or boots, farmers found themselves constantly needing to take off their shoes and drain them of water.

Brogueing became a simple solution to the problem.

Punching holes through the leather allowed the water to drain out while the shoes were still being worn. Sure, you wouldn’t have dry feet, but at least it wouldn’t be like standing in a bucket of water all day long.

brogue shoes mens guide

It’s not completely clear how the transition came to be, but over time brogues stopped being a shoe of the common worker and were incorporated into dressier and more formal attire. Silhouettes became sleeker, leathers became a bit more premium and eventually those perforations became purely aesthetic as opposed to functional.

While brogue shoes are now firmly thought of as dress shoes, the added detail still skews a shoe a bit more to the casual end of the spectrum. It’s far more appropriate to wear a brogued wingtip derby with a pair of jeans than, say, a whole-cut oxford. Similarly, I’d generally avoid wearing brogues with a tuxedo and instead opt for something cleaner and sleeker.

Of course, the formality can be tempered by the amount of brogueing on the shoe. As mentioned, sometimes even a whole-cut shoe will have a small amount of decorative brogueing on the toe. And that’s still pretty darn dressy.

brogue shoes mens guide

In between, you have a quarter brogue, which is a cap-toe shoe with perforations just along the cap seam itself. Half-brogues are just a bit more ornate, with additional brogueing on the toe as well as the cap seam.

brogue shoes mens guide

The most common is the full brogue, which is a wingtip with perforations along the all seams as well as the toe. And then there’s the longwing brogue, which if you look at the photo above should be pretty self-explanatory.

Add in twists like suede leather, derby vs. oxford closures, monk straps, or even a boot silhouette, and you can find a brogue to fit pretty much any occasion with a touch of old-school English charm!

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Adam Lehman
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo; Special thanks to Samuel Parker Clothier.

The post Style Defined: Brogues first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Let Us Help You Decide What Tie To Wear With a Blue Suit

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from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

What color tie should you wear with a blue suit?

There are a couple of answers to the question above. The first is that you can pretty much wear any color tie with a blue suit. A blue suit is one of the most versatile and “neutral” garments in a man’s closet. And therefore, your choice of tie color can make your suit look and feel pretty much any way you want.

(N.B. For argument’s sake, let’s assume by ‘blue’, we’re talking about navy blue or a moderate royal blue color.)

And the second answer is pretty much just as unsatisfying as the first: it depends.

Because, of course, the tie you choose should complement the situation and occasion. You wouldn’t wear a loud paisley tie to a funeral, for example.

Here’s some blue suit/tie inspiration that will have you covered no matter where you’re going, what you’re doing, or how you’re feeling.

Charcoal Grey Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Serious and somber

Our Pick: J.Crew American Wool Tie

Grey Striped Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Conservative but modern

Our Pick: Brooks Brothers Natte Double Stripe Tie

Blue Pindot Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Fresh

Our Pick: Drake’s Polka Dot Silk-Twill Tie

Navy Striped Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Serious

Our Pick: Dunhill Striped Mulberry Silk Tie

Navy Tie with Simple Pattern

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Elegant and modern

Our Pick: Ermengildo Zegna Diamond Silk Tie

Plaid Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Rakish and confident

Our Pick: Drake’s Prince of Wales Check Tie

Brown Striped Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Conservatively cool

Our Pick: Brooks Brothers Houndstooth Stripe Print Tie

Brown Paisley Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Stylishly confident

Our Pick: Kiton Paisley Printed Silk Tie

Tan Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Summery and simple

Our Pick: Drake’s Woven Silk Tie

Red Striped Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Bold and powerful

Our Pick: Brooks Brothers BB No. 1 Repp Tie

Burgundy Knit Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Quietly confident

Our Pick: Rubinacci Knitted Silk Tie

Green Striped Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Casually conservative

Our Pick: Seaward & Stearn English Stripe Tie

Gold Tie

blue suit what color tie

How It Looks: Confident

Our Pick: Eton of Sweden Bold Dotted Silk Tie

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post Let Us Help You Decide What Tie To Wear With a Blue Suit first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Rules of Style According To Daniele Zaccone

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Photo via @danielre

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Or why @Danielre has earned the right to call himself the Italian flair

Never mind that he is the progenitor of what we’ve called one of the most annoying Instagram-isms known to #menswear, the headless detail shot, Daniele Zaccone (a.k.a. @danielre, a.k.a. The Italian Flair) has some serious style.

Here are more than a few things you could learn from him.

Rule No. 1:

Morning #paisley Tie by @otaa.australia Check The whole Collection at www.otaa.com Follow @otaa.australia #otaa

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

A paisley tie is a high risk/high reward proposition.

Rule No. 2:

Casual Tuesday with @Cornichewatches

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

Own some casual classics as well.

Rule No. 3:

Brown X White #totaloutfit by @danielrecollection www.danielrecollection.com

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

Unbuttoning one extra button oozes confidence and sex appeal.

Rule No. 4:

Elegance is education..@danielrecollection www.danielrecollection.com

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

Classic prep is always in style.

Rule No. 5:

The Mid Brown of @danielrecollection Check at www.danielrecollection.com

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

Earth tones are vastly underrated.

Rule No. 6:

Sunday Closeup X Accessories by @otaa.australia Check Today at www.otaa.com Follow @otaa.australia #otaa

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

Real men wear polka dots.

Rule No. 7:

Own at least one piece of classic and iconic outerwear.

Rule No. 8:

Great @bachelorshoes

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

Know when to break out the velvet slippers.

Rule No. 9:

Explore pocket square folds that don’t even have a name. (And then consider naming it after yourself.)

Rule No. 10:

Remember that if your tie and pocket square combo is complementary, people will be complimentary.

Rule No. 11:

Pop white luxury shirt handmade by @cordone_1956 buy online www.cordone1956.it Follow @cordone_1956

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

A key to achieving “the Italian flair”? A cutaway collar shirt.

Rule No. 12:

Grey Windowpane X @otaa.australia

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

Own a timepiece that goes with everything.

Rule No. 13:

@violamilano launched their new website & spring/summer collection online last week at www.violamilano.com

A photo posted by Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) on

A lightweight silk scarf can completely “make” an outfit.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Rules of Style According To Daniele Zaccone first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

If Your Version of Business Casual Includes a Tie…

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business casual include tie

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

…make sure it’s a knit tie

In discussions of business casual, a great debate rages over whether or not the dress code includes a tie. At the risk of sounding noncommittal or wishy-washy, as with many things style and dress code-related – wait for it…

…it depends.

It depends on your workplace. It depends on the season. It depends on the moon phase. (Okay, that’s not true.) And, honestly, it really depends on how you feel.

If that answer fails to satisfy, I’ll give you something more concrete to hang onto here: yes, business casual can include a tie. Let me say it again. Business casual can include a tie.

business casual include tie

However, we’re not talking about any tie here. Though some outfits may look good with just about any color or type of tie, a business casual outfit is a different animal. It’s got to be the right tie. The tie that’s a perfect balance of dressed up but played down. Because, you know, isn’t that what business casual is all about? That balance point?

There is no tie that fits that job description better than a knit tie.

business casual include tie

| WEARING | Blazer c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Brunello Cucinelli shirt, PT01 pants, Saks Fifth Avenue tie, Cartier watch, Tod’s shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Though neck ties have formality in their DNA, a knit tie is the one casual exception. The same logic we use when we call Chelsea boots the loafers of the boot world can be applied here.

Part of that can be attributed to the knit tie’s shape. The squared-off blade ends somehow give the impression that the formality of a regular tie, with it’s pointed ends, has been literally been filed off.

However, not all knit ties have square ends, which brings us to the other factor contributing to the overall casualness of the knit tie – it’s construction. Because they’re knit, they are a lot less rigid than their traditional silk counterparts. Less rigid, less formal.

business casual include tie

What’s the best business casual knit tie? One that’s solid. And I mean that both in terms of quality and color. A solid color knit tie is your most versatile choice. A pattern, even a simple polka dot, will call attention to itself. And for our opinion, any business casual outfit should have a slightly under-the-radar stylish appeal.

Navy, as always, will be your most versatile option. But also think seasonally. For the fall, a deep burgundy or dark emerald green is perfect.

business casual include tie

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post If Your Version of Business Casual Includes a Tie… first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Taylor Swift Is The Devil & Other Revelations

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from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Welcome to your weekly way to put off your Monday

What is it about short work weeks that bring out the crazy in everyone? Or is it just because Mercury is in Retrograde (again!)? The news, weather and last week, in general, was a basket of deplorable people unpredictable things.

You may never have feared the possibility of your Airbnb host filming you in the bedroom. But now you can!

A new place to head for a good, classic cocktail in NYC.

Are two camera lenses really going to save the iPhone 7?

Wishing we all lived in a world where we dressed and ate like Old Hollywood?

A bespoke dress shirt worth the investment.

What are the best glasses for your face shape?

Keeping our business casual-themed month rolling along with a must-have denim button down.

30 days hath September…30 outfits to wear.

I always knew that there was something devilish about Taylor Swift…

Italians do it better.

But what about cars?

We should have seen the writing on the walls after the rise of Stan Smith sneakers. Alexander Wang is bringing back the tracksuit.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Robin West
He Spoke Style

The post Taylor Swift Is The Devil & Other Revelations first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

An Answer To “Are Jeans Business Casual Attire?”

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dark wash jeans business casual

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Yes, but they’ve got to be the right pair…

As with all most things business casual-related, there seem to be debates, arguments and possibly even worse surrounding the question of whether jeans should be considered business casual attire.

More than anything, however, the rub seems to be the juxtaposition of a blazer, button-up and tie with denim. For some, that look – business casual context or not – is straight blasphemous. Sort of like a fashion mullet where you’ve got business up top and a party down below. (Blame J.Crew, that side.) Though for others, dressing up denim is de rigueur.

dark wash jeans business casual

I can’t really recall when “dressing up denim” became a thing. It was before hashtags, that much I’m certain. However, I do remember that the very first time I thought jeans looked beyond awesome with a blazer was sometime in the mid- to late-1980s or early 1990s.

Van Halen won some award at the MTV video music awards and when they came up on stage, Eddie Van Halen was wearing the most amazing looking burgundy blazer with a pair of faded (and probably ripped) denim. Sadly, I can’t find evidence of this via Google image search, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

I was so smitten with and inspired by this pairing by one of my guitar heroes, that I dedicated a lot of time to finding a similar blazer. Which I eventually found. And wore in my candid high school senior yearbook photo, which I wager my friend Steve will graciously post in the comments.

dark wash jeans business casual

| WEARING | Blazer c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Al Bazar shirt, J.Crew jeans, Filson briefcase, IWC watch, Luciano Barbera tie, Drake’s pocket square, Boots c/o Allen Edmonds | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Back to the question hand: can you wear jeans as business casual attire? At the risk of sounding like a broken record if you’ve been following our previous, similarly styled discussions, it depends. And it’s likely that you know whether or not this would be acceptable in your workplace.

However, for the unsure, I’m going to lay it out there: yes, you can wear jeans as business casual attire. You’ve just got to make sure they’re the right pair of jeans. Assuming you’ve done your homework here on HSS and know the requisite pairs of jeans you should already own, let’s drill down and get a little more specific.

Your business casual jeans should fit well. That’s a given. Your business casual jeans should be hemmed properly. We endorse no break or a slight break. The business casual blazer and jeans look is always done a terrible disservice by dudes just throwing a blazer on over their ratty, long, frayed leg-opening jeans.

dark wash jeans business casual

However, most of all, the best pair of business casual jeans will be one that has a dark wash. Slim, dark denim is a wardrobe essential and whether you’re willing to invest in a serious pair of esoteric brand selvedge or will plunk down a little extra for an easier to find pair, you need to have them.

If ever there was a pair of jeans to “dress up” it is a pair of dark denim. With a complete lack of fade ad signs of wear, they complement a blazer very well. (Speaking of dark jeans as dressy, don’t forget that black denim is your in-between dress pant.)

dark wash jeans business casual

Thanks for reading,

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post An Answer To “Are Jeans Business Casual Attire?” first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

The Stories Behind These Flasks Are Just As Cool As They Are

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cool flasks collection

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Our man Chris Sarangoulis shares stories of cool flasks from his collection

Would you believe me if I told you I purchased my first flask when I was in sixth grade? I had never even tasted whiskey but a flask with my initials on it was a must. And yes, I was in sixth grade.

That particular flask began to see actual service in high school college when my true appreciation of fine spirits began. I quickly realized the importance of the flask and understood its perfect partnership with whiskey.

So, it was only natural that as my whiskey appreciation deepened that I began to acquire more flasks. As I stare at my collection now, they are all like a favorite baseball cap or blue jeans and have their own story to tell.

While none of my flasks are sterling silver, titanium, or any other rare earth material, they are all personal and have aged along with me. Above all, they live a hard working life of whiskey delivery service. As they should, right?

Here are some of my personal favorites from the collection.

A Man’s First Flask

cool flasks collection

A whiskey man in the sixth grade? Must have been in my blood and I didn’t even know it at the time.

Size Matters

cool flasks collection

Small ones get the most use. Why? You can hide them easily. The square one had the last sip of whiskey I was ever able to share with my grandfather before he passed away. It was Blanton’s and at a little higher of proof he was accustomed to. Nearly killed him, but it was a great laugh. Sorry, Grandad!

A Custom Job

cool flasks collection

What to do with free time in college? I wrapped a crown royal bag around an oval flask. Voila! This came with me to every kegger in college. A lot of lips have touched this one, so I never open it anymore. It’s retired now…

The Two-In-One Flask

cool flasks collection

Two flasks in one? In my mid-20s This flask solidified my position as a whiskey aficionado among my friends. When I carried this one, I would fill one flask with a really good whiskey and the other with a bad whiskey so I’d have an impromptu tasting ready to go right there on my hip. Who can tell me what the good one is and why? It was a lot of fun with such a unique flask.

DON’T MISS: How to drink whiskey like a gentleman.

Cups Included

cool flasks collection

This flask has marked countless celebratory toasts including at my best friend’s bachelor party – I was his best man.

Look For a Value

cool flasks collection

Don’t forget to to look for whiskey that comes with a free flask! I bought this set in my last year of college just for the flask, then gave the bottle away to a friend. One reckless night we ended up drinking the entire bottle in one sitting. Now every time I use this flask I remind myself never to get that gift set again. Is anybody’s favorite scotch Speyburn?

Share stories (and photos) of your favorite flasks in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Chris Sarangoulis
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post The Stories Behind These Flasks Are Just As Cool As They Are first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice


Style Defined: Notch Lapel

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notch lapel guide

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

On the versatility and flexibility of the notch lapel

As far a definition goes, the notch lapel is fairly self-explanatory. A notch lapel is characterized by a concave notch where the fabric from the lapels meet the fabric from the collar. Done and done. Simple as that.

However, like elsewhere in menswear, while identifying a particular style is relatively easy, knowing when to wear it can be challenging. And lapel styles are especially tricky, as traditional style lines have become increasingly blurred over time.

That said, the notch lapel is a traditional middle-of-the-road choice. It tends to be seen as a bit more conservative, and therefore more appropriate for situations where an overly flashy look would be out of place.

notch lapel guide

For instance, it is well suited for a day-to-day office environment, where looking sharp may be key and too much flash more disruptive than anything. On the other hand, a notch lapel can also be the way to go in a more casual setting, when wearing a jacket at all will already make you stand out enough.

Not to confuse things here, but to make a complete 180, sometimes a notch lapel is also the best choice when you’re trying to build a bolder look using the other pieces of your outfit to greater advantage. In this way, a notch lapel starts you off working with a more neutral canvas.

From a less conceptual standpoint, there are also a few pointers to keep in mind after you’ve decided on a notch lapel.

notch lapel guide

| BRIAN WEARS | QG Custom suit, Al Bazar shirt, Drake’s pocket square and tie, Rolex watch, Shoes c/o Paul Evans | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

First, this is probably your best opportunity to rock a forward point or tab collar shirt. Not that a spread collar won’t look good with a notch lapel as well, but a forward point collar is just far less suited to peak lapels.

You’re also much more likely to find a jacket that’s suitable for a skinny tie – if that’s your thing – when considering a notch lapel. Remember the rule of matching your tie width to your lapel width? It’s merely natural that a notch lapel will tend to run skinnier than a peak lapel, if only because the peak itself adds width the lapel.

notch lapel guide

It’s also a better match as far as historical context goes, with both skinny notch lapels and skinny ties coming into popularity together, most notably during the early ‘Mad Men’ era of the late-1950s into the early-1960s.

Generally, however, a notch lapel offers a lot of versatility, which makes it a great choice for menswear beginners and experts alike. Novices can worry far less about creating a clashing ensemble, and experts can take advantage of the flexibility and really hone down the rest of their look.

notch lapel guide

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Adam Lehman
He Spoke Style

The post Style Defined: Notch Lapel first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

The HSS Guide To Cigar Sizes & Shapes

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Click through the slides for cigar size and shape flash cards.

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Know your smoke!

One of the pleasures of enjoying a cigar from time to time is the wide variety of options available to you. Different tobaccos, different flavors, and of course, many different shapes and sizes.

As a matter of fact, if you are just getting into cigars, the sheer amount of information can be extremely overwhelming.

That’s why we created this guide. Let’s get right to it.

The Two Primary Cigar Measurements

1. Length

2. Ring Gauge, or diameter

In the United States we measure a cigar’s length in inches. However, in other countries, you may find lengths listed in centimeters. A cigar’s ring gauge is measure in 64ths of an inch.

What does the size and shape of a cigar affect?

A cigar’s length and ring gauge affects the amount of time it will take to smoke. However, we think it’s important to lay out the caveat that there are other factors involved in smoking time – not just length and ring gauge.

Among the other factors affecting the length of time a cigar will take to smoke include how it is rolled and the tobacco itself. The tighter the roll, the longer it’s going to take to smoke. So when choosing a cigar, note not just the length and ring gauge, but also how tightly (or loosely) the stick is rolled.

Is every possible cigar size included here?

No. These days there are umpteen variations on cigar sizes and often certain cigar brands will come up with proprietary names for them. Trying to round all of those up and stay current would be almost impossible and a huge headache. Instead, we’ve chosen the 13 most common and traditional sizes to highlight.

Notably absent from our list are the Cigarillo, a short, often very thin cigar as well as the Culebra, an exotic and novel size that is actually three cigars (usually Panatelas) twisted together.

How are cigars grouped in this list?

We’ve grouped the cigars by the two shapes: parejo and figurado. A parejo is a cigar that has straight sides and a rounded cap (cigars 1-9 here). And a figurado can refer to any kind of cigar with a non-standard shape (cigars 10-13).

Petit Corona

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 4¾-5 inches | Ring Gauge: 39-42
Smoke Time: 30 minutes

The Petit Corona is a smaller version of the Corona.

Corona

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 5-5½ inches | Ring Gauge: 42-44
Smoke Time: 45 minutes

The Corona is the cigar size standard-bearer. It’s the size that all other cigars are based on. It is said that the Corona is the size used by cigar blenders to test the blend of their tobaccos. It is also said that it will provide the “truest” flavor of the cigar.

Corona Gorda

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 5½ inches | Ring Gauge: 46
Smoke Time: 60 minutes

The Corona Gorda, or “Fat” Corona, is a wider version of the Corona. You may also see it referred to as a Corona Extra.

Double Corona

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 6½-7¾ inches | Ring Gauge: 48-49
Smoke Time: 90-120 minutes

The Double Corona (a.k.a. The Prominente) is basically the mack daddy of cigars. It’s a longer and wider version of the Corona, or simply a longer and slightly wider Corona Gorda.

Lonsdale

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 6-6½ inches | Ring Gauge: 42
Smoke Time: 45 minutes

The Lonsdale (a.k.a. Cervante) is a size you don’t see that often. It’s a longer Corona and cuts an elegant profile.

Robusto

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 5 inches | Ring Gauge: 50-54
Smoke Time: 45-60 minutes

I hope someone patented the Robusto size because it was introduced not too long ago and is hands down one of the most popular cigar sizes on the market.

Toro

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 6 inches | Ring Gauge: 50-54
Smoke Time: 60-75 minutes

A Toro is also known as a “Double Robusto”. It’s not literally two Robustos put together, but simply a slightly longer and wider Robusto.

Churchill

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 7 inches | Ring Gauge: 47-54
Smoke Time: 90 minutes

The Churchill (a.k.a. Julieta II) is a truly classic and elegant size, especially with a smaller ring gauge. A great smoke to enjoy as part of a celebration.

Lancero

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 7-7½ inches | Ring Gauge: 38-39
Smoke Time: 60 minutes

We’ve already used the word “elegant” in a couple of our descriptions, but the Lancero is the most elegant of them all. They can be tough to find, but luckily they are becoming more popular amongst cigar aficionados these days.

Torpedo

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 6½-7½ inches | Ring Gauge: 50-54
Smoke Time: 60-75 minutes

A Torpedo is very much like a Toro, except for the pointed head.

Pirámides (Pyramid)

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 7 inches | Ring Gauge: 52-56
Smoke Time: 75-90 minutes

Fatter than the Torpedo, the Pyramid is also distinguished by the way it continues to get wider from head to foot. This is also a difficult size to find.

Belicoso

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: 5½ inches | Ring Gauge: 50
Smoke Time: 45 minutes

A Belicoso is basically a short Torpedo.

Perfecto

cigar shapes sizes guide

Length: variable | Ring Gauge: variable
Smoke Time: 45-60 minutes

The Perfecto is an interesting shape. It narrows at both the foot and head and does not possess any historical standards for length or ring gauge.

The HSS Cigar Size Chart

cigar shapes sizes guide

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post The HSS Guide To Cigar Sizes & Shapes first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Why Not a Turtleneck Instead of a Shirt and Tie?

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from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

In a business casual context a turtleneck is a perfect shirt and tie alternative

By now, it should be apparent that one of the major business casual themes we’re teasing out this month is the idea and importance of substitution. Is a blazer too dressed up? Substitute a cardigan. Would a traditional silk tie be too formal? Substitute a knit tie.

In both of the instances described above, the substitution serves the purpose of dialing down the level of formality. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. A substitution can be a strictly lateral move as well, changing the tone of the outfit rather than just bumping it down a notch.

Nowhere is that better illustrated than by swapping the shirt and tie for a sweater. And, of course, a turtleneck is perfect for that kind of lateral transfer.
business casual turtleneck

business casual turtleneck

| WEARING | Suitsupply blazer, Uniqlo turtleneck, PT01 pants, Oliver Peoples glasses, Cartier watch, Drake’s pocket square, Boots c/o Jack Erwin | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Aside from being one of our perennial favorites in the sweater division here at HSS, a turtleneck is a great shirt and tie alternative and a perfect business casual piece for fall. Actually, let’s just go ahead and call it a fall business casual essential.

Why does it work so well in this context? Well, a sweater looks just like it feels – soft. So it has the visual effect of “softening” the outfit. Whereas a traditional shirt and tie combination looks, well, traditional, a turtleneck somehow possesses qualities that give it a relaxed casualness while still appearing suitably refined.

It’s important to remember that styling is key if you are going to attempt this look.

business casual turtleneck

A turtleneck will certainly “soften” an outfit’s appearance, but it will still take on the attributes of what it is being worn with. For example, worn with a suit, it’s going to feel more formal. Wear one with jeans and it leans towards casual.

So if we’re talking business casual – which we definitely are – wear it with a blazer and a pair of grey or navy pants. A straight shirt and tie substitution.

business casual turtleneck

In the footwear department, try a suede derby or brogue to match the casual but elegant (sorry, for the journalistic cop out) feel of the turtleneck. Or consider a pair of Chelsea boots if you’re feeling a bit more style forward or perhaps meeting a date for drinks right after work.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Why Not a Turtleneck Instead of a Shirt and Tie? first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

A New Beatles Doc, Bad Celebrity Suits & Stress Testicles

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beatles-walking-black-and-white-photo-city-buildings-behind-them-shot-from-below

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Ready for your pumpkin-spiced Monday news?

Not usually personal here, but this is an exciting week for me. I’m ending my 2+ years at DDB New York – you may have unknowingly seen their work via the classic Volkswagen Lemon ads, or heard Don Draper complaining about them in Season 1 of Mad Men – to move down to Baltimore in early October. I will be starting a new full-time gig at IMRE there, while also being more available to support the HSS team moving forward!

In other news you may care more about:

No matter how much money they have, celebrities continue to wear ill-fitting suits to red carpet events. Here are the three biggest mistakes they’re making.

The most recent casualty of pumpkin-spiced things are the beloved Pepperidge Farm Milanos. When will the ruining of caffeinated drinks/baked goods come to an end?

Just gone through a breakup? Put yourself your Sëlf back together again with Ikea-approved directions. Hopefully they are more clear than that Hemnes bed frame was…

We were down in Charlotte this weekend at Tabor to celebrate their Bungalow Social, and Brian was there to style a few mannequins in their fall finest. Which look do you prefer?

A giant moon balloon is all fun and games until it is let loose on a city and starts terrorizing its people and cars.

According to Silicon Valley, if we are looking to be more fulfilled with life we should start thinking like a designer.

Earlier in the week we featured Chris’s unique flask collection, which he started at the ripe old age of 12.

Remember those early Apple iPod commercials with the silhouettes dancing around? Conan O’Brien created a (perfect) updated spoof with the new AirPods. Thank you, Conan.

I once set a friend of mine a bag of dicks at work. Would sending her stress testicles be crossing the line?

Did anyone else not know that Ron Howard had been working on a Beatles documentary for 14 years, and that it was released on Hulu this past weekend?!?! I didn’t until just now, so I’m finishing this post immediately to go swoon over George and Ringo. Don’t you dare judge me.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Robin West
He Spoke Style

The post A New Beatles Doc, Bad Celebrity Suits & Stress Testicles first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

The Elephant In The Room: Polo Shirts & Khakis

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polo-shirt-with-khaki-pants-mens-style-outfit-simple-fall-summer-ideas

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

A conversation about the style combo some men love and others love to hate

Brian Sacawa: I didn’t think a month-long examination of business casual would be complete without bringing up – and addressing – the topic of the polo shirt and khaki pants combination. It is so ubiquitous that I’d even venture to say that it has become a uniform of sorts for a certain segment of American men.

But it’s a combo that, while universally embraced by many, is just as universally reviled by others. What do you think is going on here?

Adam Lehman: I think you’re right, it certainly has become a uniform for a certain segment, but I don’t think that tends to be a fashion or style-oriented segment. Rather, I think it’s become the go-to for guys who have to adhere to a dress code but don’t like dressing formally.

Like, it’s for the business casual dude who doesn’t want to wear a dress shirt or tie on the job, but can’t get away with jeans and a tee. Now, that’s not to say it can’t be stylish.

Brian: Right. Not to focus on the negative, but, hey, let’s start by focusing on, um, the negative! I mean, what is so bad about a polo shirt and khakis?

Adam: To me, it’s just a bit bland. Or tends to be. A designer and/or luxe polo shirt with dress pants can be striking, but the pique polo and chinos combo just isn’t expressive at all.

KNOWLEDGE CHECK: What’s the difference between khakis and chinos?

Brian: Do you think it has something to do with the fact that it’s just kind of “easy”?

Adam: For sure. I think that’s the exact other way of saying it. It doesn’t take much thought, so I people understandably don’t tend to put a lot into it. And the results show.

Brian: I wonder where that cultural sentiment comes from in terms of it being seen almost as something of a cop out.

Adam: Good question. But maybe it just stems from the polo’s roots as just that, a uniform.

Brian: Maybe. But I feel like it’s just not seen as dressed up enough. Or maybe those who look down on it do so not simply because of the fact that it’s worn so much, by so many different people, but rather that it has sort of become the uniform of a certain type of guy? It has taken on a bit of a “bro” connotation.

Adam: Ha! I hadn’t even thought about the bro-factor, which is so true! If you look younger than working age guys and think back to college, that was totally the polo crowd – the frat guys, athletes, et al.

Brian: Right, so if we go with that, then a polo and khakis might be considered dressed up, or at least dressy enough.

Adam: For sure. Its something that meets the minimum requirements.

Brian: Oh, I like that. “Minimum requirements.” And maybe that’s what it is – it has become something of a default “dressy outfit” regardless of whether a more dressed up dress code is specified.

Adam: I think that hits the nail on the head.

Brian: I personally don’t mind the look. I’ve worn it and I’m sure you have too.

polo-shirt-with-kahki-pants-brown-felt-fedora-brown-suede-loafers-mens-simple-casual-outfit-ideas-1

A deep placket is a simple element that can elevate a polo shirt and khaki pants outfit.

Adam: Oh, definitely. And a polo can be a really strong look if you actually do put a little thought into it.

Brian: So, let’s say that even if a guy who wears a polo shirt and khakis to something he should have dressed up more for. This is a guy who doesn’t get dressed up that often so in his mind, he’s making the effort to go above and beyond. In other words, theoretically, he’s trying. Should he be told to try harder?

Adam: I have this debate with myself often. To a large extent, I get that. While clothing and style and fashion are very important to me, that’s not to say it’s as important to other people.

Brian: And it doesn’t need to me.

Adam: Right. But at the same time, if there’s a dude out there who does care and keeps coming up with khakis and polos, I’d at least encourage him to put some more thought into it and try something new.

Brian: Ah, there’s an entirely different conversation we could have.

Adam: Totally.

Brian: Guys sort of have to come to it themselves. You or I couldn’t necessarily make that guy change his way of dressing. Maybe the significant other?

Adam: Hmmm, they just might have the power…

Brian: Okay, so just summing up here. A polo and khakis isn’t bad. But, you’ve got to be aware of the occasion and what would be acceptable.

Adam: Yes.

Brian: And we feel the main issue with the combo getting a bad rap is an over-reliance on the outfit for every dressy situation.

Adam: Absolutely. And I’d add that it’s also the complacency that tends to come with picking something that simply meets the ‘minimal requirements’. If you put thought and effort into a polo-based outfit, you can certainly end up with something great. But men too often tend not to do that.

What do you think? Chime in below!

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post The Elephant In The Room: Polo Shirts & Khakis first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Say Hello To The Best Fall Business Casual Accessory

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mens silk scarf business casual accessory

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Or possibly the best fall accessory period

In addition to substitutions, one of the biggest themes of business casual is subtraction to achieve a lesser degree of formality. Take away the blazer. Lose the tie. And so on.

However, the more you pare down, the more you might be inclined to feel like slightly underdressed or that you’ve just got to do a little bit more to feel be your regular stylish self. Or maybe you’re reading this and are looking for a way up the ante. Two different people. One similar problem.

mens silk scarf business casual accessory

Since we’ve already gone over substitution and subtraction, let’s talk about addition. (Apologies if we’re starting to make men’s style seem like something of a math problem.)

But, truly one of the best ways to spice up a look that you may consider a bit bland is by making a simple addition. And in this case, we’re talking about a lightweight silk scarf.

There is one prerequisite to complete before wearing a lightweight silk scarf in this manner: you’ve got to get over the fact that the scarf is not really going to keep you warm.

mens silk scarf business casual accessory

| WEARING | Suitsupply Blazer, Brunello Cucinelli shirt, Yves Saint Laurent pants, Beams Plus scarf, Drake’s pocket square, IWC watch, Briefcase c/o ONA, Shoes c/o Allen Edmonds | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Yes, a lot of menswear exists today because it was originally intended to solve a practical problem. We get it. For example, Fur-lined bomber jackets were designed to keep military pilots warm. Button-down shirts were developed by polo players to prevent their collars from flapping as they rode.

Interestingly, though it seems logical that scarves were designed to keep you warm, there is evidence that the earliest scarves were used to keep the wearer clean or to keep them cooler in hot weather. Go ahead and take a moment to stroke your chin and ponder that.

At any rate, it should be clear that scarves – whether historically or the present day – have served a variety of purposes, which is why everyone should be comfortable adding “aesthetics” to a scarf’s repertory.

mens silk scarf business casual accessory

If you’re going to use a silk scarf in this way, think of it just like you would a tie, which you’re ditching for the sake of business casual, or a pocket square. That is to say that it should complement the rest of the outfit and serve to pull everything together.

Tuck it in and under a buttoned up blazer for some added depth or let it all hang out and flap in the wind if you’re feeling more dramatic.

mens silk scarf business casual accessory

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Say Hello To The Best Fall Business Casual Accessory first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Style Defined: Monk Strap Shoes

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monk strap shoes history

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

A concise history of monk strap shoes

The buckled monk strap shoe has become a hallmark of a fashion-forward, but still classically-inclined sartorialist. As opposed to the unfortunate square-toed, shiny-buckled versions of the 1990s and early aughties, today’s monk strap shoes are sleek, subtle and worn by scores of dapper Pitti-goers and regular style-conscious men alike.

These days, despite moderately widespread popularity the monk strap is considered a more sartorially bold shoe choice, but that wasn’t always the case.

In fact, monk straps were originally embraced by their namesake monks in Europe centuries ago for far more practical reasons. The shoe style actually evolved as a closed-toe version of a traditional sandal by monks looking for more protective footwear.

monk strap shoes history

Over time, the shoe was picked up by the general public as an alternative dress shoe style. While traditionally found with a cap toe as a nod to the durability desired by monks in their original design, you can now find plain-toes, brogues, and even boots.

In so many ways, the monk strap is a balance of two choices.

As far as construction goes, it’s halfway between an oxford and a loafer. It’s a slip on, like a loafer, but includes a tongue or vamp like a closed shoe. Instead of laces, monks have their characteristic buckles – usually one or two, but sometimes as many as three. One buckle is often seen as more formal due to the cleaner lines, but two is the most popular design by far.

monk strap shoes history

As far as style goes, the monk again walks a balance, this time between formal and casual. They are definitively more casual than an oxford shoe, but usually considered dressier than other loafers or even derby styles. Men originally struggled with the monk strap shoe’s middle-of-the-road style, feeling too informal for a suit but too dressy for casual attire.

More recently, however, monk straps been embraced for this very reason, as men have found that the lack of association lends more to versatility than limitation.

Chocolate Brown Suede Double Monk Strap Shoes - He Spoke Style

Today, it’s just as acceptable to wear a dark, polished monk strap with a business suit as it is to rock a pair with worn-in denim. Either way, wearing a monk strap shoe – whether a single, double, or even triple – is definitely a style statement. But one that’s anchored in tradition.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Adam Lehman
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post Style Defined: Monk Strap Shoes first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice


Simple, Stylish & Comfortable Business Casual Shoes

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best business casual shoes men

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Four of the best and most comfortable shoes for business casual attire

Footwear is the anchor of every single outfit. And getting business casual right means making sure your shoe game is on point. Here are four different types of footwear to wear with business casual.

1. Suede Lace Ups

best business casual shoes men

A suede shoe has the ability to instantly dial down the formality of any outfit. And in a dark chocolate color, as picture above, they still maintain a level of dressiness that is commensurate with a business casual dress code.

Our Pick: Tod’s Suede Derby Shoes

2. Brogues

best business casual shoes men

A pair of brogues should be a staple of any guy’s shoe wardrobe. Though they are thought of as “dress shoes”, the perforations, or brogueing, gives them a casual tone and some stylish flair.

Our Pick: Allen Edmonds ‘Strand’

3. Loafers

best business casual shoes men

The loafer is the quintessential laid back and relaxed shoe option. It’s important to note that “relaxed” doesn’t have to mean “casual”. In a business casual setting, a loafer with suitably “relax” a more toned down, but still dressed up, outfit.

Our Pick: Cole Haan ‘Pinch Grand’ Horsebit Loafers

4. Chelsea Boots

best business casual shoes men

Of course, if you can have loafers with business casual, you can also have what we love to call the loafers of the boot world – chelsea boots. Not only are they stylish, but incredibly comfortable. A great choice if you have a date after work.

Our Pick: Cheaney Godfrey Leather Chelsea Boots

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo

The post Simple, Stylish & Comfortable Business Casual Shoes first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Did Somebody Say Tie Optional?

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tie optional business casual attire

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Let’s keep the ‘casual’ in casual Fridays, yeah?

Let’s start with a full disclosure veiled in the form of a mild apology. Not that anyone has called attention to this, but I’m aware that most of the business casual looks we’ve published thus far have skewed more towards the ‘business’ end of the spectrum.

It’s true. We’ve been focused on bumping formality down slightly through a fun kind of men’s style math, involving additions, subtractions and substitutions. If you’ve been staying abreast with our content this month, this is nothing new to you, but hey, if you’re just joining us, you deserve to know!

tie optional business casual attire

Today being Friday, we’re going to focus on the casual side of business casual. The side where a tie is optional and black jeans are more than acceptable as an “in-between” dress pant. This is a look for the office if your m.o. includes a date after work.

tie optional business casual attire

| WEARING | Blazer c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Brunello Cucinelli shirt, Levi’s jeans, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Cartier watch, Shoes c/o Allen Edmonds | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Great basics never go out of style and pay huge dividends in terms of wearability over time. Chief among them is an unstructured navy blazer. This is the go-to choice when the goal is to look put together but not too dressed up. Patch pockets will increase its casualness.

If you don’t already have a denim button-down shirt, it’s time to get one. In a business casual context – or not – you will not find a shirt with greater versatility. Dress it up with a knit tie or keep it cool and casual if it’s a tie optional kind of day.

tie optional business casual attire

If you’re doing a lot of blue up top, stay away from blue jeans, even if they’re dark blue. Instead, choose a slim-fitting black pair, finished off with a brogued cap toe shoe.

tie optional business casual attire

Thanks, as always, for reading. Enjoy the weekend.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post Did Somebody Say Tie Optional? first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

A Case For Going Gingham

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from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Add a splash of panache to your business casual look

One of the great things about menswear, is that the formula for dressing up and looking good is pretty basic. Blazer, shirt, tie, pants, shoes. Repeat. Pretty simple, right?

As a result of that simplicity, there are tons of choices you can make within that framework. Knowing how to navigate the plethora of options and intricacies with style and grace is the mark of someone who’s done his homework and has “lived” with menswear for a fair amount of time.

The best way to tweak an outfit to fit into a particular mold, is to focus on one item and work within those confines.

Since we’ve been doing business casual all month, let’s stick with that theme and since we’ve done a lot on dress shirts recently, let’s focus on the shirt.

brown gingham shirt mens

navy-blazer-brown-gingham-shirt-knit-tie-grey-pants-fall-business-casual-outfit-ideas-for-men-2016-9

| WEARING | Blazer c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Neiman Marcus shirt, PT01 pants, Gitman Bros. tie, Cartier watch, Drake’s pocket square, Tod’s shoes | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

What makes a gingham shirt perfect for a business casual look? It’s got a informal feel and the checked pattern adds a bit of playfulness to classic styling, like a navy blazer and grey pants.

DID YOU KNOW? Gingham was originally a striped pattern.

If you find yourself wearing lots of blues and greys, like me, look for a gingham shirt in a light brown check with a spread collar. It’s versatile, will complement pretty much anything you’ve got in your closet and looks a little less sporty than a blue check.

brown gingham shirt mens

brown gingham shirt mens

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

The post A Case For Going Gingham first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Style Defined: Peak Lapel

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peak lapel guide

from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

The ever-classic peak lapel makes a rakish modern day comeback

While the notch lapel jacket has been a staple of men’s style since its introduction, the peak lapel has been a bit more divisive. As such, it’s seen swings of popularity and decline, though of course it has never completely faded from the menswear world.

Let’s first take a look at construction. Whereas the notch lapel is pretty self-explanatory, the peak lapel is a bit more vague. The difference lies exactly where the notch does – where the fabric of the collar meets the fabric of the lapel. Instead of the concave notch, a peak lapel juts out with an extended, triangular point that reaches upwards towards the shoulder.

peak lapel guide

The size of the ‘peak’ can actually vary pretty widely depending on the style of the jacket. Regardless, just by the nature of extending at all, a peak lapel tends to come out wider than a notch lapel. As such, it’s often paired successfully with wider ties, which might explain some of the fluctuations in its popularity.

While skinny notch lapels fit perfectly with the skinny ties of the 1960s, it was the wide ties of the 1970s that really brought peak lapels to their peak (pun very much intended). Throw in the over-the-top boldness that was so favored in those days and a big flashy peak lapel was about damn near as good as it got.

peak lapel guide

| BRIAN WEARS | QG Custom suit, Brunello Cucinelli shirt, Gitman Bros. tie, IWC watch, Boots c/o Allen Edmonds | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Peak lapels stayed big – both in use and size, sorry don’t stop me when I’m on a roll – through the 1980s before being somewhat abandoned during the more drab, casual, down-played and grungy fashions of the 1990s. Now, in the 2010s the style is coming back into vogue with the resurgence of interest in classic tailoring.

Which brings us to the peak lapel today, and the ways it can be worn. As mentioned, peak lapels tend to at least appear on the wider side, making them a solid choice for wider ties and shirt collars.

peak lapel guide

That said, it has also become quite easy, not to mention rather common, to find much subtler takes on the peak lapel that work just as well with more slender shirt and tie choices. Versatility is always the name of the game.

When it comes to formality, the peak lapel falls into a kind of funky middle ground. On a structured business suit, it’s definitely a power move that puts it above a standard notch lapel. That said, it’s flashier at the same time, so maybe not a great choice for a young professional just starting to climb his way up the corporate ladder.

peak lapel guide

A peak lapel is also a common choice for a tuxedo, which is obviously about as dressy as it comes. On the other hand, on a more unstructured jacket, a peak lapel can be a fun way to add some serious panache to a more casual look. Like so many style decisions, it’s one that’s very malleable. It’s just up to you to steer it in the right direction.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Adam Lehman
He Spoke Style

The post Style Defined: Peak Lapel first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Closet Checklist: 10 Essential Business Casual Items for Fall

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from He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

Be ready for anything with these 10 must-haves

If you’ve been keeping up with this month’s style editorial, you’ve likely noticed the appearance of certain items multiple times. That’s because we are big on the concept of versatility and also making sure you are getting the most out of what you have.

So as we approach the end of business casual month – we’ve got a great theme for October, by the way – we thought it would be the perfect time to round up some of those “must have” wardrobe pieces.

So here they are – our 10 essential business casual items for fall.

Unstructured Navy Blazer

fall business casual essentials men

An unstructured navy blazer is your go-to business casual blazer. The dark navy checks the formality box, while the lack rigidity keeps it casual. Looks great with a tie or without.

Denim Button Down Shirt

fall business casual essentials men

So much of business casual attire is about dialing down the formality without crossing too far into the realm of casual. A denim button-down shirt is pretty much the ideal shirt to fit that description. Wear it with a knit tie during the week and open collar for Casual Friday.

Gingham Button Up Shirt

fall business casual essentials men

Like a denim button-down, a gingham dress shirt ably mixes dressed up and casual. The pattern adds a sporty element to even the most classic looks.

Knit Tie

fall business casual essentials men

A knit tie’s squared off ends and rich texture makes it the perfect substitute for a classic silk tie in business casual settings. We recently got the following question on our IG Stories Sunday Q&A: silk or wool knit tie? We say, have one of each.

Lightweight Silk Scarf

fall business casual essentials men

Speaking of substitutions, use a silk scarf in place of a tie for those days you want to up your game, but aren’t feeling the neckwear. Clothes don’t make the man, superbly considered details do.

Cardigan

fall business casual essentials men

Never underestimate the power of the cardigan. Wear it in place of a blazer to shake things up.

Turtleneck

fall business casual essentials men

A turtleneck is knitwear’s answer to the shirt and tie. Its literal softness lends itself to a more relaxed and casual feel, while its architecture gives it an air of sophistication.

The Perfect Grey Pants

fall business casual essentials men

Not too formal, not too casual. The perfect grey pants – neither too light nor too dark – will serve as the foundation for many business casual looks.

Slim Dark Denim

fall business casual essentials men

Are jeans considered business casual attire? Depends on who you are and where you work. In the right workplace, jeans can totally pass as business casual. It’s also a great choice when you’ve got plans after work.

Dark Chocolate Suede Shoes

fall business casual essentials men

Great footwear is the anchor of every great outfit. A simple pair of suede cap toes will always get the job done.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography and collage by Rob McIver Photo

The post Closet Checklist: 10 Essential Business Casual Items for Fall first appeared on the men's style blog He Spoke Style - Men's Style, Fashion, Grooming, Tips and Advice

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