Tag Archives: Style Tips

How to Wear Shawl Collar Sweaters

November 15, 2016

The Shawl Collar Sweater Is Back.

If you want a quick, easy way to upgrade your old sweater routine try a shawl collar sweater. Shawl collar sweaters have been rocked by James Bond to Steve McQueen. They manage to always add a bit of sophistication whether you dress it up or dress it down. Next time you go out, trade your crew neck in for a shawl collar.

Celebrities In Shawl Collars

: Daniel Craig

: Eddie Redmayne

What you should remember:

Shawl collars are known to be flattering to stockier, heavy set physiques thanks to the rolled, rounded shape which frames the face. The long, curved lapels also help create a leaner, trimmer silhouette.

Our expert menswear stylists have put together four looks with their favorite shawl collar sweaters that are in store and online now.

Hover over the photos to see the details.

**Pairing a turtleneck with a shawl collar cardigan is classy as f*ck.**

Put a twist on it with a sleek bomber and ripped denim. This is a good outfit for hitting the bar with your friends, that first coffee date, or a casual brunch. Need a dressier option? Wear the same sweater/turtleneck combo with a blazer.

Shawl collar… collars, come in different sizes.

Smaller collars make layering easier. Try over a button down and under a blazer for a no brainer weekend outfit. Swap your jeans for chinos or trousers for a dinnertime look.

Chunkier knits have more character and just feel definitely cozier.

Thicker knits aren’t as easy to layer under, so don’t force it. Avoid looking bulky by wearing just the sweater and a t-shirt underneath. We’d recommend this look for casual office days or weekend brunch!

Thinner collar? Add a tie.

This is a good look for office casual, smart casual or business casual. The sweater has a thinner collar so it can be worn with a tie. This makes it a good alternative to wearing a blazer OR if you need to wear a blazer, you can do so without it getting bulky. The trousers have an elastic cuff making it a tad more relaxed and casual. If it’s not appropriate for your office, simply trade it in for a pair of chinos or dark denim.

Melissa’s 2016 Fall Must-Haves

November 8, 2016

Melissa’s 2016 Fall Must-Haves List

If you’re not much of a reader or you like everything you need to know on one page. This is it. This is a list of the 2016 fall trends and investments you shouldn’t ignore.

1. The Topcoat (Overcoat, wool coat, car coat)

Outfit details: Selected Homme – Crew Neck Melange Sweater $120, Tiger Of Sweden – Jil Extra Slim Windowpane Flannel Blazer $599, Hardy Amies – Check DB Overcoat $1495, John Varvatos – Sid Crepe Chelsea Leather Boot $358, Neuw – Iggy Skinny Slim Fit Tapered Jean $199

This is key to your fall/winter wardrobe. We’ve made an overcoat video and blog post dedicated to the importance of having an overcoat. It’s ideal for those who want to look super sleek in their suit.

It’s an easy go-to transitional outerwear piece that makes any outfit look more put together. Try it with joggers, jeans or chinos. Don’t be afraid! This is an investment piece that never goes out of style so get one in wool for warmth and a neutral colour for versatility. Once you’ve gotten a classic overcoat, feel free to go for a more statement one.

Melissa’s note: Start wearing a real man coat. I see too many men walking around while it’s zero degrees out and shivering in their suits looking unprofessional. And a parka just doesn’t look good. We have four seasons in Canada and we need a coat for each season.

2. The Leather Jacket

Outfit details: Philippe Dubuc – Slouchy Oversized Rolled Collar Sweater $325, Neuw Denim -Classic Perfecto Berlin Leather Jacket $698, Zanerobe – Ripped Scrambler Denim $240

It goes without saying that almost everyone turns to their reliable leather jacket when the weather gets a little chilly. But when was the last time you updated yours?

Real, good quality leather jackets are known for their longevity but it may be time to take a long hard look at your own and see if it needs to be upgraded. A modern cut really goes a long way.

Not only is it a good staple piece to have, it can really speak to your style and personality.

Melissa’s note: Leather is back and a lot of guys who bought one was in the 90s so now it’s time to update one. If you don’t have one this is the year to buy one. It’s an investment piece that will last you years.

3. The Bomber Jacket

Outfit details: Outclass – Aztec Flannel Shirt $209, Selected Homme – Bomber Jacket $275, Neuw – Ray Tapered Slim-Straight Jean $198

Onto a more trendy piece: the bomber jacket. Bombers can come in a variety of styles, colours, and cuts to fit your own personal style. It doesn’t require as much investment as the previous outerwear so you can have a bit more fun with it.

Melissa’s note: This is your perfect weekend jacket that you can throw over t-shirts and jeans.

4. The Zip Layering Piece

Outfit details: Ted Baker – Bruno Quilted Baseball Jacket $215, Baldessarini – Patch Pocket Jersey Blazer $750, Zanerobe – Sureshot Chino $130

This layer is crucial for unpredictable weather. The mornings are brisk, the afternoon is scorching and then when you leave work, it’s in between. To save you from freezing OR sweating, wear layering separates so you can take it off if needed.

Melissa’s note: For guys who complain they get hot all the time, layering pieces are ideal. No matter where you are, it allows you to remove or add a layer to maintain the perfect comfort level. Style is not at the sacrifice of your comfort.

5. The Check Pants

Outfit details: Oscar Of Sweden – Micro Geo Paisley Print Shirt $225, Hardy Amies – Wool/Cashmere Patch Pocket Blazer $685, Hardy Amies – Multi Color Check Trouser $395, Gotstyle – Sleek Chelsea Leather Boot $295

Now the WOW piece in your closet should be two or three patterned pants. Where do you start? With checked trousers. If you don’t want it to be too loud, go for one in darker or more neutral shades. It’s meant to reflect your personality and your personal style so you can kind of run with it.

Keep it balanced by pairing it with solid colours. A good rule to follow is to let one thing speak for you in your outfit.

Melissa’s note: Most guys have a ton of patterned and check shirts in their closet. A new update is going for solid sweaters/shirts. Add excitement to your outfit with check bottoms.

How to Style an Overcoat

October 25, 2016

An overcoat is a must-have for every professional individual.

This is a PSA for those who don’t wear a jacket between Summer and Winter because they think they’ll survive the chill until they need to throw on their parka. It’s also for the gents who don’t think they can even rock an overcoat.

It has a couple names: wool coat, car coat, overcoat, top coat, dress coat. Whatever you decide to call it- just know you need one.

It works for every man and for more occasions than you may realize. Here are some inspirations:

Style Tips:

First and foremost, if you wear a suit, we highly recommend that you own one. It’s dressy, professional, and warm.
With that said, it’s not only appropriate with a suit. Pair it with a turtleneck and trousers for social events/parties or a dinner date.
Jeans, t-shirt, and a hoodie? Throw an overcoat on it for an instant style upgrade. Easy.
Go with a neutral colour so you can get more wears out of it.

More of a visual learner? Watch our video below.

Outfit details:

Outfit #1: Hardy Amies – Wool/Cashmere Overcoat $995, A. Christensen – Pocket Square $45, Hardy Amies – DB Peak Lapel Wool Melange Blazer $795, Buckson Slacks – Classic Buck $220, Tiger Of Sweden – Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater $179, John Varvatos – Sid Crepe Chelsea Leather Boot $358

Outfit #2: Circolo 1901 – Knit Turtleneck $365, Circolo 1901 – Soft Cashmere Check Blazer $750, Hardy Amies – Double Breasted Peak Overcoat $1100, Gotstyle – Sleek Chelsea Boots $295, Buckson Slacks – Classic Buck $220

Outfit #3: Sand – Fine Boucle Overcoat $795, Selected Homme – Knight Check Suit $495 Oscar Of Sweden – Micro Geo Floral Print Shirt $245, Anderson’s – Pebbled Leather Belt $160, Gotstyle – Brogue Lace Up Boot $295

Introduce Knitwear Into Your Wardrobe

October 11, 2016

How to Introduce Knitwear Into Your Wardrobe

Knitwear is one of those easy pieces so simple that you can forget their style impact. Sportcoats, blazers, and suits can be paired with something other than dress shirts. Start wearing them as true sportswear with sweaters and cardigans. Once you start to wear your blazer more often you’ll understand the versatility of the piece rather than saving them for special occasions.

Quick tip: This merino wool blend turtleneck is lightweight AND machine washable.

Outfit details: Gotstyle Launch – Merino Wool Blend Turtleneck $125, Gotstyle Launch – Basic Plaid Blazer w Elbow Patches $495

Quick tip: Since there’s no tie, use accessories like lapel pins and pocket squares to dress up the outfit for special events.

Outfit details: Hardy Amies – Wool/Cashmere Knit Turtleneck Sweater $685, Oliver Grey – Wool Contrast Check Suit $1295

Quick tip: To avoid too much bulk, go for thinner lightweight fabrics.

Outfit details: Selected Homme – Prince of Wales Check Blazer $250, Tiger of Sweden – Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater $179

Quick tip: Blazers that have a bolder print might not be suitable for work so dress it down with a sweater so it works for social settings.

Outfit details: Oscar of Sweden – Birds Print Cotton Shirt $245, Sand – Merino Wool Cardigan $250, NYFS – Glen Check Peak Lapel Blazer $700

Quick tip: Another way to keep warm without the bulk is by layering a wool scarf.

Outfit details: +39 Masq – Multi Color Block Crew Neck Sweater $215, Circle of Gentlemen – Check Blazer w Wide Lapel $1000

Quick tip: We liked polo shirts during the summer and knit polo shirts continue the trend into the fall/winter season.

Outfit details: Circolo 1901 – Melange LS Polo $298, Olliver Grey – Super 110s Windowpane Check Suit $1095

Quick tip: You can go wrong with the classic crew neck sweater over a dress shirt.

Outfit details: Sand – Micro Jacquard Heart Cotton Shirt $225, Hardy Amies – Crew Neck Merino Wool Sweater $340, NYFS – Mini Plaid Peak Lapel Wool Blazer $700

Quick tip: Funky prints can either be toned down or enhanced with a solid colour sweater.

Outfit details: Circolo 1901 – Knit Turtleneck $365, Circle of Gentlemen – Velvet Floral Bird Print Blazer $900

[Read more]

What NOT to Wear: Bad Leather Jackets

October 3, 2016

A leather jacket is an essential for every man. Buying the right one, however, is a different issue. Here are 13 bad leather jackets to avoid!

1. We totally understand it’s cold outside but too much bulk makes you look oversized.

2. Sure you go to the gym but no one’s arms need that much room.

3. In this case, we’d like to say less is more.

4. If your sleeves scrunch up like that, it’s not a good look.

5. Sorry fellas, this style isn’t in anymore.

6. Let’s leave bright, loud leather jackets in the past.

7. Two words: leather overkill.

8. If your leather jacket looks like this one, we highly recommend an update.

9. Distressed is one thing. Worn out is another.

10. A leather jacket two times too big rarely works out for anyone.

11. Too many things are wrong with this outfit.

12. Stop getting boxy leather jackets with no shape!

13. Fashion is cyclical. We are confident that long leather trench coats won’t come back.

Want to know what to wear? Check out this video

What To Wear: Film Festival Style

September 6, 2016

If you’ve ever wondered what to wear to a film festival we have the answer.

You can’t actually wear jeans and a t-shirt to a movie this time of year.

If you’re going anywhere in Toronto this week you better bring your style A-game. With a week full of events, movie screenings, celebrity sitings, and after parties, you’re going to need to look good to get in.

Here are four looks that should get you through this week’s red carpets, movie premieres, celeb sightings and after parties.

Classic Twist

We’re all about a classic twist. That’s when classic pieces are done a little differently. Canadian Designer Hussien X. Dalla is really good at it. That’s probably why The Weekend can’t stop wearing his pieces.

Works For: Red Carpet, After Parties, The Party

Dalla Tuxedo Jacket

Outfit Details: Philippe Dubuc – Slim Fit Dress Shirt $195, Dalla – Velvet Shawl Lapel Tuxedo $1299, Dion – Pocket Square $40, GS Launch – Five Eye Cap Toe Derby Shoe $195

The Gentleman

You’re not as young as the new guys out there but you practically wrote the book on how to party. Show up with a very now fashion statement that tells ’em whos boss.

Works For: Movie screenings, Opening Parties, The After Party, Hotel Lobby Pre-Drinks

Outfit Details: Gotstyle – Windowpane Notch Lapel Wool Blazer $725, Tiger of Sweden – Merino Wool Turtleneck $179, Doro – Lapel Pin $19, A. Christensen – Pocket Square $45, Paradigma – Fancy Suede/Leather Brogue $375

Fashion Guy

You’ve done it all before and you’re wondering how to stop them in their tracks this year? This asymmetrical crosshatch suit is one way to do it. A wax like finish and modern cut make you the life of the party.

Works For: Opening Night Parties, Dinner, Red Carpet, After Parties

Outfit Details: Philippe Dubuc – Cross Hatch Fashion Suit $1295

Mr. Always On The Scene

You go out all the time, so why would this week be any different? If a suit just ain’t your steez don’t fake it, people can tell! Instead ask, what would John Bon Jovi do? All black skinny jeans fitted t-shirt to send the ultimate I’m on the list vibes. Do you boo-boo, you’re getting in any way.

Outfit Details: Neuw – Classic Perfecto Berlin Leather Jacket $698, Vitaly – Fishtail Long Tee $44, John Varvatos – Bowery Slim Straight Leg Fit Jeans $248, Gotstyle – Sleek Chelsea Boot $295

Works For: The Films, Opening Night, After Parties, Parties,

If you still don’t know what to wear, shoot us an e-mail and we’ll solve your style emergency. Follow us on Instagram for daily style inspiration.