Menswear Monday: The Sport Coat…

Surprise! Today is my first ever “Menswear Monday!” To the ladies: I know what some of you may be thinking, “I don’t really care to know about mens fashion because it doesn’t pertain to me or help me in any way.” Well, it might not help you with your personal wardrobe, BUT I’m sure that most of you have a man in your life, whether it be a friend, significant other or family member, that can use a fashion tip or two: this post will help them ( NOT TO MENTION, some of them will maybe take the advice and start dressing better! YAY).

To the men: Today I’m going to be talking about sprucing up your casual  style. Whether it be a “professional” or business type of casual Friday at work, or just a fun summer outing that doesn’t require a suit and tie, “casual” does not mean that you have to slum it down, or just wear jeans. Don’t get me wrong, jeans are great and a classic staple in your closet, but let’s try to step out of your comfort zone and put a little pizazz to your casual looks.

The Sport Coat: This is an essential in any man’s closet, no matter what your style may be. It’s so versatile and can spruce up any casual outfit. It should fit relaxed, but structured enough for you to still look sharp. We will use the same sport coat for two totally different outfits and looks today.

This first look is inspired for a “Causal Friday” at work (business casual).

Rule #1 for all things fashion: FIT IS EVERYTHING. The brand has no significance most of the time, as long as the clothes that you are wearing fit your body, and flatter your figure.

Zara Sport Coat (On sale in-store!), Gap Linen Button Down,  J.Crew Chinos, Nordstrom Handkerchief (In-store), Kenneth Cole Shoes (similar here), Dolce & Gabbana Glasses.  

For this look, we traded out the boring old khakis for some fun chino pants. Chinos are such a great staple for your closet, and they have them in a variety of different colors and fits. They put a new spin on your outfit!  (THERE IS A LIFE BEYONG JEANS! Gasp!)

For the under shirt, we opted for a linen button down because 1) Linen is very lightweight. It. Is. Hot. In Miami. (enough said?) and 2) It’s so darn comfy. Sounds too casual ? Tuck it in and give it a more polished look.

Then, we put a fun handkerchief in the pocket of the sport coat to add a bit of pattern and panache to the look.

Voila! You’ve got yourself a professional, yet fun, causal Friday for work!

The second look is inspired for some casual weekend fun (it’s much more casual than the first look). Just to show you that you can wear jeans and STILL look sophisticated and suave.

Zara Sport Coat (On sale on-store), J.Crew Stripe Tee (similar here, I like these and these too!), Bullhead Jeans, Sperry Top-Siders, Nordstrom Handkerchief (In-store), Ray Ban Sunglasses.

Sometimes, you just want to wear jeans. I get it. Instead of a mundane solid tee, maybe you can opt for a patterned shirt (stripes are my favorite for guys). Add some loafers (or Sperry’s if you want to be extremely casual), and a sport coat: You will look polished and ready for some summer fun!

Hope you all enjoyed my first menswear post! I will try to post a new one once a month. Below are some of Nick Monti‘s (my model), favorite picks.

1. Favorite Grooming Product: Shiner Gold Pomade

2.  Favorite Casual Wear: J.Crew Stanton Shorts

3. Accessory I Can’t Live Without: Michael Kors Watch (old, but similar here) 

4.  Favorite Album: John Mayer’s Continuum

5. Guilty Fashion Pleasure: Toms

6. I Heart My : Guitar

7. My Scent : The One by Dolce and Gabbana