If you’ve been paying attention, the city of Toronto is definitely on a new wave. With the likes of Justin Bieber, Drake, the Blue Jays and most importantly to note the Raptors. After their game 7 win against the Pacers, they’ve advanced into round 2 of the series. It’s been almost FIFTEEN years since they’ve reached this far in the playoffs. This is an achievement that any fellow Torontonian, Raptors’ fan or not, feels proud of. The second round against the Miami Heats has everyone on the edge of their seats.
In support of the Raptors, Peace Collective has created a limited edition Toronto Vs. Everybody tee in white and purple. It’s a great way to show off your love for the Raptors and support a local Toronto brand. Peace Collective has established an iconic platform among Canadians and continues to raise awareness to the community in many different ways. Get yours today in store and online.
A great blazer is one of the most reliable and versatile pieces in any guy’s wardrobe. The classic way to wear a blazer is similar to a suit jacket — with a dress shirt and tie — but slightly less formal (the jacket isn’t a matching set with the suit pants). The differences between a blazer, sport coat, and suit jacket can be subtle, but they’re important to know.
Think you’ve got the classic blazer look covered? Great. Let’s step up your style to the next level, and explore 5 new looks to make the most of your awesome blazers that have been trapped in the confines of nine to five.
A double breasted blazer with dark denim is a modern power look any guy can pull off. The double breasted blazer is bold, so pair it with a solid colour dress shirt and let the blazer do the talking. Always keep the inside button and upper outside button fastened when standing. The only time you shouldn’t do up a button is if your blazer has multiple rows of buttons on the centre. If that’s the case, the same rule as with single breasted blazers applies — leave the bottom button undone.
Make sure that when wearing jeans with dress shoes the jeans are well tapered at the bottom, like on our model above. This will add height and slim down your look. If the front cuff of your jeans covers either of the monkstraps, it’s a sign the cuffs are too wide.
It may not be what you’re used to, but trust me, tapered lower legs are the way to avoid the dreaded “dad jean flare” you may not even realize you’ve been rocking. Once you wear one pair of properly tapered jeans and see the difference, you’ll never go back.
Throw your best dark blazer on over a designer tee, jeans, and military style boots to pull off a Justin Theroux inspired rocker look. Some tips to make sure you do it right:
Treat this as a casual look. A t-shirt with a blazer is cool. A t-shirt with a blazer when everyone else is wearing a suit? Not so cool.
Make sure your jeans are tapered right. Come on man, we already talked about this.
Let your boots develop some character.
Leave the blazer unbuttoned — with a t-shirt, better to keep it casual.
The t-shirt should hit just below your belt.
Avoid tight tees. When wearing a t-shirt with a blazer, try not to look too…slick. I like to gently tug on the collar of my shirts before wearing them under a blazer. A bit of a slouchy look is perfect. You’re not wearing this to a black tie event anyways, so it’s cool to grunge up this particular blazer look.
Here’s where a blazer can be useful as a transitional layering piece. Pair a casual, natural shoulder blazer like this one with a hoodie, joggers, and luxe sneakers for a super comfy outfit that will turn heads. In the right way.
Make sure the hoodie is thin. Not just any hoodie will work — too thick and it won’t layer nicely with a properly tailored blazer. As much as you love your college sweater, save it for the couch and opt for a sleeker fitting piece.
Seize this opportunity to wear your coolest, boldest sneakers (as long as they match what you’re wearing above the ankles). Joggers were made popular by sneakerheads because they show off a guy’s kicks — so go all out! An eye-catching pair like these ones from Sully Wong elevate the look from good to great.
Gotstyle Navy Wool Notch Lapel Blazer with Metal Buttons: $695, Selected Homme Charcoal Skinny Fit Stretch Chino: $95, Swims Navy Sport Loafer: $100, Taft No-Show Socks: $60 (4-pack)
This preppy spring/summer look works best with a navy blazer. Start with a polo, tucked or untucked (I prefer untucked, but either can work). Roll up your blazer sleeves a bit, even cuff your pants at the ankle if you feel like it. Slim fit chinos are a must, especially when your loafers tie in to the rest of the outfit as well as these ones do.
Pro tip: when going “sockless,” wear no-show socks. The exact same look is achieved, minus the blisters and lingering stink. You’re welcome.
This is a great transitional layering outfit for fall days when you don’t quiiite need a jacket yet, or the end of winter when you’ve ditched your parka for the season. The different textures (fuzzy flannel on the blazer, herringbone pattern pants) complement well and are way comfier than you’re used to for a look this sharp. The thin crew neck sweater under the blazer gives you some flexibility on whether to button or unbutton.
Last thing — show some cuff. Having that sweater peek out from both the chest and sleeves may not be something everyone notices, but those who do will appreciate the attention to detail.
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Ready to pull the trigger on your new blazer look? Our team of stylists is here to help, with private appointments and free wardrobe consultations. Book your appointment today at 416-260-9696 or info@gotstyle.ca.
Remember to bring your blazer(s) with you when you shop. Try layering them with different pieces, and see what works best for you!
The 2015 Pan Am & Parapan Am games are fast approaching and as the host city we’re looking forward to welcoming the world to our multicultural melting pot also known as Toronto. This year marks so many great milestones both for this city, and the Gotstyle brand. In the last 10 years Toronto has established itself as one of the best cities in the world, in those same 10 years Torontonians have helped propel us to grow to become one of the best menswear retailers in North America. To help celebrate this amazing year and everything that makes this city so incredible we brought you our Gotstyle Loves TorontoT-Shirt Design Contest. The grand prize- to have your design printed on Gotstyle t-shirts, a $1000 cash prize, and a feature on the Gotstyle website.
After receiving over 300 submissions we’ve finally riddled it down to one talent that truly captured the essence of our brand and the sentiment behind the “Gotstyle Loves Toronto” concept. We’re excited to announce that that winner of our Gotstyle Loves Toronto t-shirt design contest is none other thanEno a 27 years old freelance designer who submitted this amazing design.
The modern gentleman instinctively hoards quality essentials. Having stacks of trusty tees ready for any occasion (and replacing them when necessary) makes temperate temperature dressing a thrill. Patrick Assaraf is the mastermind behind PYA’s line of luxe basics. The short and long sleeved t-shirts, Henleys, crew and v-necks are crafted from supremely soft Pima cotton, hold their shape exceptionally well and offer first-rate longevity. Stock up on the spring collection for a steady dose of the brand’s timeless, minimalist-cool.
Graphic tees may seem like a thing of the past but that is precisely the point of inspiration behind the pop avant-garde t-shirt brand Reception. These tees play homage to the past and present while celebrating our culture and those who’ve left their mark on our history. The brand has taken pages from the world of art, fashion, music and politics and blended them in to an eclectic mix or what many define as contemporary madness. These tees are made in Italy, are 100% cotton with water prints and are sure to attract attention no matter where you are.
Sometimes in the midst of keeping up with all the latest fashion trends people can forget about the most basic of items in their wardrobe. It is for this reason we rounded up the troops to highlight some of their favourite summer basics/must haves. From swim trunks to footwear, here is a great collection of items you should have no matter your fashion prowess.
Gotstyle Stylist Mallory
Venroy – Iranian Tile Lined Aussie Swimming Shorts Paisley $145.00 Shop Now The Venroy trunks have great colour and an interesting pattern but still look masculine. I think any guy would be confident to wear these on their own by the lake or with a t-shirt while by the campfire.
Parke & Ronen – Slim Board Short Blue $138.00 These shorts offer length for the guy who isn’t quite ready to bare his whole thigh in a European cut swim trunk. The pattern also reminds me of Turkish mosaic tiles which could be a great conversation starter pool side. 😉
Ted Baker Boara Par Print Swim Short Cord Tie ASSRT $125.00 I went to summer camp growing up so the reason I enjoy these shorts is purely nostalgic. The pattern reminds me of paddles we used to paint, shellac and then go canoeing with. Ted Baker is a very playful brand and I think they have Hit the nail on the head with this design.
Gotstyle Stylist Joel
Luigi Sardo Classic Canvas Shoe (White): $60 I think everyone needs a white canvas tennis shoe, it’s as classic as it gets and can go with anything. I would wear this all summer with shorts, denim or even a nice cotton suit. Rivieras Tour du Mond Mesh Slip-On: $85 Perfect for weekends in the city or at the cottage. Casual but slick enough to dress up. Again to be worn with shorts or denim (white jeans for summer!) Tiger Of Sweden Vince Raffia Leather Shoe: $229 Shop Now Classic with a twist. Classic shape and cool mix of navy and black makes them very versatile. Woven to make them stand out in the crowd.
Gotstyle Stylist Jenna
John Varvatos Coated Baseball Cap: $85 Whether you’re on the golf course or at the stadium everyone needs a ball cap in the summer and this John Varvatos interpretation blends the functionality of the garment with the rock-star edge that you’ve come to expect from the NY designer. It’s wax coated cotton outer shell helps to keep your noggin’ from frying in the summer and the leather embellished bottom of the brim helps you to keep your eye on the ball stylishly. The inner lining is the Varvatos pinstripe and the strap back makes it adjustable for all head sizes, so you’re girlfriend will look cute wearing it as well. John Varvatos Ivy Flat Cap: $85 Nothing screams summer like cruising down the road in a convertible but if you’ve got some flow you need to keep it off your face so that you can keep your eyes safely on the road (and the pretty ladies on the sidewalk). This iteration of the classic driving cap sports a light weight and breathable denim top with a cool felt brim to keep the hat from looking stale and boring. Small details like the stars on the back and the Varvatos pinstripe on the inner lining gives this timeless classic a cool and relevant kick. Goorin Hammond Square Crown Flip Up Fedora: $40 Whether it’s Long Beach or South Beach the straw woven fedora is a staple of warm weather destinations around the world. This black straw Goorin Bros. fedora is an edgier take on the hat that your grandfather wore when he vacationed south during the colder winter months. What makes the straw fedora such a key component of any guy’s summer headwear collection is that it goes great with a tank top, shorts and flip-flops or with a blazer and dressy shorts. Rock it tilted back with a pair of shades to keep your lid cool and your style cooler.
Gotstyle Stylist Sam
Vito Scoop T-Shirt: $38 Everyone should a have a white t-shirt in their summer wardrobe and this Vito t-shirt is perfectly designed to fill that niche. It’s more sartorial than your plain t-shirt that comes in a pack of three that you can buy from any big box store and that’s why we love it. The wide crew collar and bing pocket take it from a basic to a stylish staple. It’s cut trim and the sleeves are slightly shorter to keep it proportional and the cotton that Vito used to produce it is very light-weight and super soft. It pairs great with a pair of jeans or shorts or under a fun summer button down making it a versatile and fundamental element of any casual summer outfit
Sol Angeles Zissou Tee: $60 Sol Angeles makes some of the softest cotton t-shirts on the market. This t-shirt is perfect for the guy who wants a fun graphic t-shirt without channeling his inner “Bobby Bottleservice”. The Zissou graphic is a plays on the nautical motif which is standard for summer apparel by referencing Bill Murray’s deep sea exploring character Dr. Steve Zissou from the film “Life Aquatic”. In addition to being extremely comfortable the Sol Angeles t-shirts sport a flattering, trim fit and a slightly higher v-neck collar so that you can rock a V without feeling too “on display” and vulnerable.
Alternative Apparel Camo Contrast Crew Neck Tee: $45 Who doesn’t love camo? Alternative Apparel has taken the camouflage shirt and made it more chic and less consignment. With a super soft, pre-washed cotton it feels and looks like your favourite summer t-shirt but doesn’t look or smell like you bought it in the back room of a Kensington market surplus shop. With the fluorescent orange crew neck no one will mistake you for a drill sergeant either. We recommend pairing with a cool khaki short or washed out denim.
Gotstyle Stylist Eli
Zanerobe Sureshot Relaxed Chino Cut Shorts: $95 Shop Now These are fun, casual shorts in a jersey material and are cut off to look like you just cut off the legs from an old pair of sweat pants. Great for kicking around the house, doing groceries or walking the dog. They differentiate themselves from the average casual sweat pant because of the drop crotch that we’ve come to expect and love from Zanerobe’s pants. These shorts help to make the point that super casual and super stylish can indeed be synonymous.
Ted Baker Flamingo Embroidered Chino Shorts: $165 These flamingo embellished shorts from Ted Baker and cut trim through the leg and hit just above the knee and are an extremely versatile summer garment. The fit and deep navy colour make them very easy to dress up with a fun sport shirt and wear out to dinner with a slick pair of driving loafers or you can throw on a fun polo and a pair of boat shoes and go strolling through the Distillery on a sunny weekend afternoon. As with all Ted Baker the devil is in the detail so in addition to the flamingo embellishments the inside of the cuff of the short is lined with a cool chambray that adds a fun element without overwhelming the senses.
Moods of Norway Arild Sunde Pinstripe Linen Shorts: $165 How do get dressed up in the summer while still staying well ventilated? A dressy pair of shorts is the answer that any guy who schvitzes during the warm months. By cutting this short just above the knee and with a slim leg complete with a pinstripe Moods of Norway has made a short that should be worn with a blazer (preferably the corresponding one from MoN that we carry), a dress shirt and a pair of cognac coloured lace-ups, proving that you dress up your shorts without looking like a school-boy.
