The New Layering: Denim Jacket

One of my favorite looks is finally hitting the streets in a big way. Recently I've been seeing denim trucker jackets worn as layers under outerwear. I love this look! (and have for some time). Here are some recent examples shot by GQ's new street photographer during NYC fashion week:

For the record, I've been rocking this for over a year now, but I'm an honest guy...I stole it from Kanye West, who has been pictured doing this as far back as 2008. Trend-setter? Love him or hate him, I think so!

If you're going to try this look, your best bet is to get a fitted denim jacket (preferably a vintage Levi classic trucker) and wear it buttoned, with your outerwear (darker in color and contrasting in fabric) left open. 

If you're not into playing copy-cat, this can serve simply as an inspiring "new" way to wear layers. At the very least, it can help you think outside the box. 

Yours in style,

SB

Kenneth Cole video shoot with Nick Sullivan

After winning the Esquire contest I did a "buy this look" video for Kenneth Cole with Nick Sullivan, Esquire magazine's fashion director.

Check it out HERE.

More to come. Yours in style, SB.

Tip-of-the-Day: The in-betweener

It's true, there is definitely a movement in men's fashion right now inspiring men to mix casual/sportswear with tailored/formal wear in the same outfit to create an "in-between" look comfortable and appropriate for most occasions. This is not a bad thing, I often do it myself. If pulled off properly, it can be a fresh twist on some of your classic pieces. Example:

photo via GQ.com

This "in-between" look can either be accomplished by adding some formal pieces to a casual look (add a waistcoat or blazer to your usual shirt + jeans look) or adding more casual elements to a "dressier" look (throwing on a pair of classic sneakers with a suit, or throwing a vintage denim jacket over your shirt + tie look). Casual-ling up a look, however, is not accomplished by simply leaving your shirt untucked. I see so many men, especially in the nightlife scene, wearing the same shirts they wear during the day, but because they are at "play" and not at work, they change their trousers for jeans, lose the tie and leave their shirts untucked - with shirt tails ballooning past their back pockets.

An untucked shirt does not make a look more casual, just more sloppy, bordering immature. So today's tip is quite simple: when in doubt, tuck your shirt in! (Yes, even when wearing jeans).

With that said, not all shirts need to be tucked in, but you should know the difference. The vast majority of button-down "dress" shirts are long through the body and are meant to be tucked-in (hence the extra fabric in the tail which prevents the shirt from becoming untucked with your day-to-day movement). There are other shirts, however, which are meant to be left untucked - these are shorter, slimmer cut and hit just past your hips (see cuts by Band of Outsiders or American Apparel).

One last thing...If you are wearing a tie, a waistcoat/vest, a cardigan, a v-neck, or basically any other kind of sweater/layer over your shirt (other than outerwear), ALWAYS tuck your shirt in. The shirt ends poking out from under your sweater are not flattering.

Yours in style, DT