Tag Archives: How To

How To Wear A Tie Bar

June 13, 2016

A tie bar is a small detail with a big impact. It adds style, sophistication, and character to any suit and tie. The idea is simple but we have seen men wear a tie bar incorrectly, here is our guide to nailing it:

Size matters. Keep everything proportionate. A huge tie bar doesn’t go with a skinny tie. Ideally, the tie bar should be somewhere between half and 3/4 the width of your tie.
Placement is a major key. It should be worn slightly below the chest around the sternum or between the 3rd and 4th button of your shirt.
Clip the tie to your dress shirt; the tie bar isn’t only there for decorative reasons. It has a real purpose and that’s to keep your tie in place.
There’s a style to it. What most guys don’t know is to slightly lift up the tie when sliding/fastening the tie bar into place can make a slight difference in presentation
Make your metals match. Silver is your go-to metal for a tie bar. Opt for gold to co-ordinate with gold accessories like your watch, jewellery and belt hardware.
Keep it simple. Tie bars come in a various amount of shapes and colours. Get a solid range of 1-3 tie bars before opting for the more decorative options.
Don’t wear a tie bar with your waistcoat, it defeats the purpose, a layering cardigan is more suitable.
Tie your tie right. Make sure your tie knot is on point, dimpled right and hitting the top to the middle section of your belt.

Check out our tie bar selection in store at one of our locations

Learn How to Style the Iconic Polo Shirt

May 26, 2016

As the weather gets warmer, we highly recommend you to consider adding the polo shirt, a smarter version of the t-shirt, to your wardrobe.

History

The polo shirt has a strong history and has always been a symbol of sportsmanship and sophistication. During the roaring twenties, tennis players wore what was known as “tennis whites”. This consisted of a white, long-sleeved button-down shirt, long pants, and a tie. Jean Rene Lacoste was a renowned tennis player who won 10 Grand Slam titles felt it was too stiff to wear tennis whites. He noticed what polo players (hence the term polo shirts) were wearing in London and quickly got his own tailor to make some for himself. Once he retired, he started to create his own line of clothing and the polo shirt quickly rose to popularity. Soon other brands such as Fred Perry and Ralph Lauren entered the market. It was no longer an athletic uniform but a fashionable shirt to wear outside of sports.

How to Style the Polo Shirt

For a preppy/old Hollywood look pair them with chinos or pressed trousers, loafers and shades. Feel free to wear it with a blazer or sportcoat as an alternative to a dress shirt. It’s relaxed and casual.
For a rocker vibe go for ones with stripes, patterns, checks, and those muted ice-cream colors. Pair them with skinny trousers, jeans or shorts and always roll up your trousers for a cooler vibe. To play with styles switch up shoes: loafers, sandals, oxfords, sneakers. No boots.

: +39 Masq - Geo Knit Polo $195

: Circle of Gentlemen - Byron Mini Patterned Polo $175

: Individual - Textured Knit Polo $115

: Circle of Gentlemen - Beckett Patterned Polo $175

: Sand - Sean Connery Rick Knit Polo $225

: Ted Baker - Electrik Jacquard Cotton Polo $129

: Ted Baker - Bopp All Over Floral Print Polo $135

: Ted Baker - Knit Polo

: Blue Industry - Clover Print Polo $140

Shop Polo Shirts Online

1 Shirt, 5 Ways: A Classic White Shirt

May 25, 2016

It’s awesome to find white shirts that are simple with an elegant design.

We’ve written a lot about expensive shirts. It’s safe to say that affordable shirts have gotten a bad rap. But having a selection of white shirts that lasts comes from having a solid rotation of dress shirts. An essential piece like our new private label Launch dress shirt does just that.

Our Launch collection is our new line of basic attire. Our clients have let us know that fundamentally affordable basics like a plain white shirt are needed so we’re here to provide. This is perfectly suitable for a guy building his wardrobe, or someone with a developed wardrobe in need of basics.

Our Launch shirt has a regular point collar, and the cotton has a soft feel on the skin. The fit is sound and it has a very subtle (not shiny) sheen that adds a hint of class. I have a few dress shirts in my closet but I don’t have any that fit this close to perfection or has the slight sheen either. Here are five different ways we styled the white shirt (although, you can probably wear it with just about anything.)

Casual Italian Flair

Double breasted blazer, white shirt burgundy wingtips, john varvatos, launch shirt

Outfit details: Tiger of Sweden Double Breasted Blazer $599, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, John Varvatos Bowery Fit Jeans $268, Paradigma – Fancy Suede Shoes $375, A. Christensen – Paisley Pocket Square $45

Living in Toronto you will subconsciously inherit elements of the cities melting pot especially when it comes to style. This outfit here is a perfect example of that. One of my favourite pieces from Tiger of Sweden this season is this navy double-breasted sportcoat. The sportcoat gives a subtle Italian panache a regular blazer wouldn’t. I paired it with a paisley red pocket square. In many occasions, I’m dressing between casual and formal. Fits like this one go perfectly with the setting I’m occupied in.

Summer Styling

purple blazer, paradigma wingtip shoes, launch shirt white shirt

Outfit details: Without Predjudice – Buckley Linen Blazer- $595, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, Dimattia – Navy Chinos $245, Paradigma – Brown Shoes $375, Spitfire – Shades $80

What’s beautiful about a white shirt is its adaptability. I kept a cool colour concept with this fit. A standout piece I’ve seen this season is the incredible purple linen blazer from Without Prejudice. It is lightweight with a slim cut to give you that “V’ shape you want. I paired it with textured blue cotton trousers and brown wingtips. A blazer paired with a textured separate pant and a white oxford shirt is timeless. When it comes to building your wardrobe, add pieces that fit for your unique body type so creating outfits are a breeze.

Sleek Casual

Outfit details: Dimattia – Jacquard Chinos $245, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, Selected Homme – Suede Bomber $450, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Shoes $225

In a metropolis like Toronto, Montreal, New York, etc. transitional clothing is a must, unless you live 5 minutes away from where you work. In that case peace be on to you. But for the majority of us outerwear like this cream suede bomber jacket compliments our lifestyle. The piece is light and not too heavy for any summer afternoon or night, the sporty bomber contrast with the scholastic air of the white shirt and olive chinos making the outfit a perfectly casual. I styled double monk strap shoes with the fit to add an air of class along with the sporty level of the bomber jacket.

3-Piece Dapper

Gotstyle - Super 130's Glen Check Notch lapel 3-piece suit brown $995 Paradigma - Fancy suede brown brogue $375

Outfit details: Gotstyle – Super 130’s Glen Check Notch Lapel 3-piece Suit $995, Launch -Dress Shirt $95, Horst – Tie $95, Paradigma – Fancy Suede Bogue $375

Good tailoring makes a statement.

Make a statement with dapper 3-piece plaid suit. The suit has an amazing glen check with a hint of light blue that catches the eye. This makes it adaptable to wear with both warm and cool colours. As well to making a statement good tailoring should be versatile. For the upcoming summer days, you can wear the vest alone with the trousers or opt the vest out.

All About Business

Outfit details: Tiger of Sweden – Extra slim Window Pane Check suit $999, Launch – Dress Shirt $95, Seaward & Stern – Tie $150, Anderson’s – Leather Belt $160, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe $295, Spitfire – Black Shades $80

This suit is one of my favourites for the slim notch lapels. If you don’t already know the rule is to pair slim lapels with a slim tie, and wide lapels with a wide tie. Think Harvey Specter and Don Draper. I kept it minimal with a textured grey stripe tie. Double monk straps have become the signature shoe for men developing a sense of style, with this mid-grey suit they make an excellent complimentary shoe.

What To Wear To Weddings

May 24, 2016

Deciding what to wear to weddings can be tricky. Weddings have evolved. It sounds ridiculous to hear that but like everything else, it’s no longer restricted by traditions.

Modern weddings are essentially giant parties. And parties have dress codes. The invitation usually indicates the general theme of the wedding but sometimes “Island Chic” doesn’t exactly translate as the same thing to every attendee. It also means you can no longer just throw on that same ol’ party suit (we know you all have one). We’ve taken the time to break down some popular dress codes so you don’t get lost in translation.

Dress Code: Casual
What to Wear: A party is still a party, no matter where it’s held so please don’t show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Casual is more like “smart casual” so throw on a pair of chinos or dress pants. Keep it laidback with a clean classic polo- tuck it in and wear a belt for a pulled together look. If you’re adventurous go for one that has a pattern. A blazer pulls the outfit together and can double as lightweight outerwear so it can be taken off if it’s too hot.

Outfit details: Strellson – Nolan Linen/Wool Blazer $598, Sand – Drake P Polo $150, Dimattia – Sanremo Textured Jacquard Pant $245, Anderson’s – High Shine Belt $165, Spitfire – Sunglasses $65

Dress Code: Garden Party / Dapper
What to Wear: There’s a good chance that it’s an outdoor occasion so most importantly, dress for the weather. Think lightweight fabrics and make sure your outfit works sans-blazer. This dress code is like one step up from casual and more on the dapper side. It’s the perfect opportunity to rock a bow tie, a funny lapel pin or a zany patterned shirt.

Outfit details: Sand Glen Check Linen/Cotton Blazer $695, Blue Industry – Circles Print Shirt $170, A. Christensen – Bow Tie $95, Doro – Lapel Pin $19, Blue Industry – Smooth Stretch Chino $145, Anderson’s – Pebbled Leather Belt, Gotstyle – Toe Cap Derby Leather Dress Shoe $295, Nixon – Leather Watch $180

Dress Code: Formal / Suit & Tie
What to Wear: Most men seem to be comfortable and familiar with this dress code. A suit in navy or charcoal works. Pair it with a dress shirt and tie. Ideally, it’s as if you’re going into a meeting with an important client. The only thing we suggest is to step out of that businesswear restriction. Feel free to go for a more colourful tie, pocket square or bold dress shirt (but please pick just one). It is a celebration after all.

: Without Prejudice Kilburn Tonal Check Suit $895

Outfit details: Without Prejudice – Kilburn Tonal Check Suit, Gotstyle – Textured Shirt $165, Gotstyle – Burnished Double Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe $295, Duchamp – Tie $145, Weber – Tie Bar $40, Jin Qun – Silk Pocket Square $15, Wurkin Stiffs – Lapel Pin $46

Dress Code: Beach Formal
What to Wear: If you don’t know, the formal part of the dress code means don’t show up in an oversized zany Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. It not what you wear to weddings. Since the weather is going to be blazing (or at least we hope so), make sure to keep your attire light and breathable. Look for a suit in linen or seersucker. This is also a chance to rock a tan, white, light grey or even pastel suit. Feel free to go without a tie but PLEASE do not wear socks OR sandals.

Outfit 1 details: Haspel – Gravier Seersucker Stripe Blazer $650, Oscar of Sweden – Floral Print on Check Shirt $225, Haspel – Bernard Seersucker Stripe Pant $195, Anderson’s – Stretch Leather Belt $198, A. Christensen – Pocket Square $45, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Shoe $225

Outfit 2 details: Haspel – Gravier Seersucker Blazer $650, Ordean – Solid Shirt $150, Haspel – Bernard Seersucker Pant $195, Gotstyle – Tie $105, A. Christensen – Pocket Square $45, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Shoe $225

Dress Code: Festive / Something Themed
What to Wear: Usually, this means to keep it fresh but with a twist. It gives you some freedom to express your personality. Go for a coloured suit. Wear a dress shirt with a bold pattern and if the atmosphere is right, throw on a pair of clean leather sneakers.

Outfit details: Phillipe Dubuc – Wool/Mohair Peak Lapel Suit $1100, Selected Homme – Micro Floral Print Shirt $85, Jin Quin – Silk Tie $45, Gotstyle – Double Monk Strap Leather Dress Shoe $295, Spitfire – Sunglasses $65

Dress Code: Black Tie
What to Wear: This one is the most straightforward and there’s no way around it. Black tie calls for a tuxedo and a bow tie. Tuxedos do come in a variety of colours so don’t feel restricted to a black one.

Outfit details: Hardy Aimes – Shawl Collar Wool/Mohair Blend Tuxedo $1195, Stenstroms – Slimline Tuxedo Shirt $245, Dion – Bow Tie $135, Prime Shoes – Basel Hi-Shine Oxford Shoe $194

Ditch Your Jacket. Wear a Blazer.

May 10, 2016

When we think of menswear, suits tend to be the first thing that comes to mind. In concept, it’s easier to put together. The jacket and pants match, so really you just need to find a shirt and a tie. And there you have it- a full outfit. However, not all occasions ask for a suit and sometimes it’s just not AS versatile as the alternative: a blazer.

Blazers come in a variety of colours, patterns, and fabrics. It gives you the chance to show your personality while still looking put together and dapper. It instantly upgrades any outfit you have by bridging the gap between business and casual wear. Sounds pretty ideal doesn’t it?

Now that I’ve got you excited about blazers, scroll down to see some of the outfits we’ve styled for you. See how versatile and easy it can be worked into your wardrobe. The outfits can be worn for work, a dinner date, or drinks with friends.

Outfit details: Tiger Of Sweden Geo Print Marzotto Wool Blazer $599, Sand Polka Dot Shirt $195, Blue Industry Smooth Stretch Chino $145, Lowell Dante Leather Messenger Bag $385, Paradigma Double Monk Strap Perf Leather Shoe $375

If you’re new to the blazer game, invest in a blue/navy one. Feel free to go for one with a subtle print like this one from Tiger of Sweden. It gives you a choice to either let the pattern or the shirt stand out. This outfit is simple, clean and works for many different occasions.

Outfit details: Blue Industry Jersey Collar Blazer $325, Howe Youth In Asia Shirt $79, Selected Homme Chino $95, Paradigma Fancy Suede/Leather Brogue $365

This is what we call the “Jersey Blazer”. The fabrication is more relaxed so it works great for casual situations. The small details of this blazer make it a winner: the striped pattern on the collar, the flap pockets, and the contrasting buttons. The outfit is kept simple as the blazer can be worn with a variety of combinations. Any coloured or patterned button with chinos or trousers.

Outfit details: Van Gils Ellis Tonal Plaid Blazer $695, +39 Masq Splatter Print Crew Neck Knit Sweater $250, Van Gils Bull Floral Print Trouser $245, Ted Baker Rogrr 2 Toecap Oxford Leather Shoe $255, Sandqvist Stina Leather Handbag $375

It’s highly recommended that you venture out of the classic realm of blues. This purple blazer from Without Prejudice has a subtle check pattern to give it some character. A sweater is a great alternative to a dress shirt or button down. So don’t put them away just yet. Work them into your current wardrobe thinking of your blazer as more of a lightweight outerwear piece. Plan your outfit to work with or without wearing it in case you want to take it off.

Outfit details: Gotstyle Contrast Glen Check Blazer $700, Neuw Lou Slim Fit Raw Japanese Selvedge $189, Sand Sean Connery Rico Knit Polo $225, Paradigma Fancy Suede/Leather Brogue $365

What else can you wear instead of a dress shirt? A polo. Worn with a pair of dark wash denim, it’s a classic. Wear it with a blazer on top, it just got a dapper upgrade. Sweaters and polos don’t need to be tucked in for a more relaxed casual outfit. Looking sharp doesn’t mean feeling stuffy. If a polo isn’t your thing, try a Pima cotton crew neck t-shirt.

Outfit details: Ted Baker Dreamas Jacquard Spotted Blazer $585, Without Prejudice Floral Print Shirt $245, Strellson Solid Cotton Stretch Trouser $198, Paradigma Fancy Suede/Leather Brogue $365

Don’t be afraid of patterned blazers. More importantly, don’t be afraid to pair it with a printed shirt. It can be daunting at first but the idea is to always make sure that one print is bigger than the other and to stay within a colour family. Keep the pants simple and a solid colour so it doesn’t take away from the details. This outfit is great for those who like their personality to shine through and maybe even impress a date.

Outfit details: Circle of Gentlemen Britain Blazer $850, Dimattia Sanremo Textured Jacquard Print Pant $245, Ted Baker Two Aces Floral Print LS Shirt $195, Paradigma Fancy Suede/Leather Brogue $365

Last but not least, a light coloured blazer for the spring/summer season. Unlike your father’s father’s wool blazers, this modern one by Circle of Gentlemen is lightweight. This is important during the warmer weather- no one wants to sweat in their layers while trying to look good. It’s easy to style, so feel free to pair it with prints and patterns. Add a pocket square for a pop of colour.

How to Style Resort Wear

March 8, 2016

The weather is getting warmer and with the infamous spring break approaching, you know what that means- vacation time! Our expert stylist at Gotstyle have put together some resort wear looks featuring some of our new products of the season. Let it also be an inspiration for the upcoming spring weather we’ll be having.

Look 1

Micro prints are back but with a twist! Brands like Benson are showing us their creativity by putting a seahorse pattern on the classic short sleeved button up. When the weather is warmer feel free to roll up your denim or chinos for a more spring/summer appropriate look.

Outfit details: John Varvatos Straw Fedora $98, Benson Sea Horse Print Shirt $155, John Varvatos Bowery Straight Jean $179 , Le Specs Sunglasses $110, Garment Projects Classic Leather Sneaker $257

Look2

The colours and pattern on this Circle of Gentlemen polo makes it a great standout piece. It’s a nice upgrade from a classic solid colour polo. By tucking it into a pair of chinos, it creates a sophisticated spring ready outfit.

Outfit details: Circle of Gentlemen Beckett Patterned Polo $175, Strellson Cotton Stretch Trouser $198, Anderson’s Pebbled Leather Belt $160, Vitaly Dubbei Braided Leather Bracelet $40

Look 3

A simple styling tip: spring weather doesn’t always permit wearing just a t-shirt and shorts. When it gets a little chilly, layer your outfit with a long sleeve button down. This will add dimension to your look and keep you warm.

Outfit details: Benson Linen Striped T-Shirt $85, Sand Denim Shirt $195

Look 4

How do you stay dry and look good? With a rain coat of course! Forget about what you think you know about old school ill fitting rain coats. Danish brand Rains specializes in rain wear and their jackets are modern, lightweight and best of all- stylish.