Greetings Gentle Readers,
We hope you had a peaceful and positive Thanksgiving. We're just coming out of our turkey-induced coma, hence the delay since our last post. But, we're back! As the weather turns from "quite chilly" to "a bit brisk" we get to employ one of our favorite cold weather dressing techniques: layering.
We love layering for several reasons; proper layering not only keeps you warm, but creates depth, texture, adds sophistication and style and helps enhance a color story. So, this go 'round we figured we'd shed a little light on a few of our style secrets to help put the fellas on game as to keeping warm, while looking cool. For the fellas, layering is exclusively a top-heavy activity (How exactly would one pull off 2 pairs of pants anyway?). That being said, we'll be focusing on pairing shirting (button-downs, polos, etc), sweaters, and blazers/suit jackets in chic combination. Without further ado, let's pop this off shall we?
3 Laws to Succinct, Stylish & Sophisticated
Layering
1. Fit: By now, you should have known this was coming... Honestly. We keep trying to tell you, that fit, is everything. Here's why it matters here. You see the look up to the left? Everything from this S/S 2010 Ralph Lauren look is tailored to fit this model and he looks crisp, clean and polished. If you layer ill-fitting garments, it only exaggerates that which does not fit and throws off the proportion of the ensemble: if your sweater is too small and your blazer is too big, then it appears as if you got dressed out of 2 peoples closets, neither of which are your own. Simply put: every tag on each of your garments should read the same size (with the exception of
blazers/suit jackets, which should read your REAL jacket size, not some imaginary 1 size up #)
Layering
1. Fit: By now, you should have known this was coming... Honestly. We keep trying to tell you, that fit, is everything. Here's why it matters here. You see the look up to the left? Everything from this S/S 2010 Ralph Lauren look is tailored to fit this model and he looks crisp, clean and polished. If you layer ill-fitting garments, it only exaggerates that which does not fit and throws off the proportion of the ensemble: if your sweater is too small and your blazer is too big, then it appears as if you got dressed out of 2 peoples closets, neither of which are your own. Simply put: every tag on each of your garments should read the same size (with the exception of
blazers/suit jackets, which should read your REAL jacket size, not some imaginary 1 size up #)
2. Color Story: Layering is prime time to tell a stylish and sophisticated color story. If you glance at the look to the left, as well as up to the right at Mr. Gross you'll see what we mean by "color story." When you layer, you have the opportunity to mix and match different shades, hues, and tones. Lance Gross is using greys and blacks to tell his color story, a classic combination that works for every skin tone, every shape, and ever size. A color story should use multiple shades, hues and tones; matching the exact blue in your tie to the exact blue in your shirt to the exact blue in your sweater is basic and trivial. A more grown up, stylish and sophisticated option would be to use different blues and other complementary colors, as illustrated up to the left and directly to the right. Use your layers to tell your color story. Remember, it's not about whether or n
ot it matches, as long as it goes.
ot it matches, as long as it goes. 3. Depth & Texture: Effective layering also means creating depth and texture, additional effective agents of style and sophistication. One of our personal favorite ways to pull this off is with an oxford, cardigan, and blazer, as illustrated in the 1st look (the Ralph Lauren runway look) and to the left. It's a bit unexpected to pair a blazer with a cardigan (most would expect a vest underneath a blazer/suit jacket) but it's a timeless and classic combination. A ribbed cardigan or a tweed blazer are perfect pieces to add touches of texture, and both would serve the double purpose of adding depth as well.
Accessorizing layers is really quite simple as well. Stick to pieces that compliment or contrast with your core garments. For example, for the look in blue that we pulled, we chose a tie that had blues and a yellow in it this tied (no pun intended) the blues in the garments together with the the yellow in the pocket square. Topped off with a little lapel pin, and called it day. When layering in muted color stories, such as the one pictured on Lance Gross or the grey and black look up to the left, an accessory in a pop of color can add a nice accent. As always, keep coordination in mind. Well, that about does it for this installment. Until next time, we remain....
Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashion fades, style is eternal." ~Yves Saint Laurent
P.S. For your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic and always Sartorially Savvy, follow us on Twitter (@SartoriallySvvy or click here)
Accessorizing layers is really quite simple as well. Stick to pieces that compliment or contrast with your core garments. For example, for the look in blue that we pulled, we chose a tie that had blues and a yellow in it this tied (no pun intended) the blues in the garments together with the the yellow in the pocket square. Topped off with a little lapel pin, and called it day. When layering in muted color stories, such as the one pictured on Lance Gross or the grey and black look up to the left, an accessory in a pop of color can add a nice accent. As always, keep coordination in mind. Well, that about does it for this installment. Until next time, we remain....
Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashion fades, style is eternal." ~Yves Saint Laurent
P.S. For your up to the minute tips on staying classically stylish, timelessly chic and always Sartorially Savvy, follow us on Twitter (@SartoriallySvvy or click here)
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