Tag Archives: Style Tips

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.

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.

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What to wear when weather is unpredictable

March 15, 2016

Unpredictable weather is the thorn in our most fashionable sides.

Can you feel the frustration? The weather will swing from minus 5 to plus 5 in a day. You don’t want to wear your down filled coat anymore, but you’ll feel off walking around without a jacket on. (We want summer but it’s not really here yet, dressing like it will only make you susceptible to getting sick).

So– it’s time for TRANSITIONAL outerwear. What’s transitional outerwear you ask? We started talking about this a few seasons ago and more and more guys are starting to get it.
Transitional outerwear is the outerwear pieces you can wear now, and that will tide you over to the “no jacket season” AKA summer.

Some key ones to start looking at?

First lets take a look at the forecast. According to Farmer’s Almanac (my go-to source for buying forecasting) it’s going to be a slightly cooler and a definitely rainier spring. It’s funny how we can handle snow but rain that’s a different story, snow you get a little wet, rain you get drenched. 

We carry two lines of very stylish rain jackets. Both with a hood to keep you dry! (yes, you can finally forget about losing your umbrellas.)

Rains from Denmark has a clean modern design. If you’ve ever been to Denmark you’ll know that they know rainwear. It’s sunny one second and rainy for the next 10… in fact their spring is a perpetual state of sunny rain. 

We carry their modern interpretation of the classic rain jacket. It’s super light weight making it easy to wear and easy to carry around (perfect for music festivals!)

Stutterheim is a brand from Sweden (another country that knows rain well!) It was started by Alexandre Stutterheim, in homage to his grandfather’s raincoat. This was the raincoat that saw him off to sea to catch fish defying the worst weather; the heaviest bone drenching rain and loudest thunderstorms.

He wanted to make a modernized version of that raincoat but still crafted in the traditional way: by hand by a skilled seamstress that knew how to deal with the thick durable fabric. He was lucky to find the last surviving textile mill in Sweden and together they built the perfect raincoat.

These raincoats are made of rubberized cotton with taped and sealed seams so rain will never get through. A raincoat that will last the sophisticated Gotstyle man forever. 

Now you’ve got the rain covered, what other spring outerwear do you need when it’s not raining? How about a light weight “everyday jacket” to wear to work over your suit: The proper name is the “carcoat”. You’ll spot them by their length. A coat that ends mid-thigh and is long enough to cover your suit jacket. But no, not trench.

If you want the best of both worlds, get a G-Lab jacket. They’re  waterproof, windproof and breathable- everything you need to conquer the ever changing weather. They’re modern, sleek and technical without the bulk.

The Cosmo style’s slim silhouette works great with suits and the 3-layer fabric and integrated thermo jacket guarantee top-notch functionality. The seam lines, pockets and high collar add a touch of outdoor-inspired nonchalance.

The modern short parka is the perfect partner for any tour when it comes to protecting its wearer from wind and weather. Full commitment provides the Commander with its 3-layer high performance material and action-pleat in the back for a comfortable fit and more mobility. The four large outer pockets on each day expedition plenty of storage space – and ensure a sporty yet stylish look.

 


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Men’s casual style rules…

March 3, 2016

and when to break them

Written by JOANNE RICHARD for the Toronto Sun

Menswear can be a minefield. You have to know the fashion rules — and when to break them. So if you’re going casual, guys, go smart casual or go home.

Smart casual is a great way to introduce a less formal flair into the workplace and add a punch of personality. When business casual first entered the workplace, it was bad news as it “rapidly declined to ill-fitting khakis and over sized golf polos,” says Tia Katz, head stylist at gotstyle.ca.

Katz is on a mission to add smart to casual. “The vast majority of corporations are realizing that casual has been taken too far and now are strongly encouraging employees to dress up appropriately.”

When pulled off, smart casual sends a message of professional, well-dressed, comfortable and confident, says Katz.

“If the look is not constructed appropriately, it conveys a message of lost and confused. It usually looks something along the lines of ‘about to go meet a client’ and ‘about to take the kids to the park’ all in one outfit,” says Katz, of Gotstyle menswear stores in Toronto. “A bad outfit is usually more noticeable than a good one.”

gotstyle casual style

Read the rest of the article here

5 reasons NOT to get married… in the country

March 1, 2016

Wedding analysts predict that soon 1 out of 4 weddings will be a destination wedding.

For something that was once considered a novelty destination weddings are now the new normal. Having just come back from my own destination wedding, I would say it’s the only way to go!

Why? A couple of reasons, here are mine:

1. Not a wedding person

I was never one to dream about my wedding day when I was younger, like other girls did (I also thought that I would never get married). The thought of finding a venue, planning flowers, centrepieces, cake tasting etc. never appealed to me. With a destination wedding you don’t have to worry about the little details; to me the view is the decor and since you can’t take the flowers or centrepieces home with you, you won’t spend money over decorating.

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Photo by Kalen Hayman

 

2. It goes by so fast

One thing every newlywed person said to me is the day goes by so quickly, by the time you say hello to everyone you’re saying good-bye to them. The $20,000 (or more) that you spent on one day flashes before your eyes. With a destination wedding it’s not a wedding day, it’s a wedding week!

3. Let’s all be friends

With typical weddings, your friends and relatives might not know his friends and relatives, and they’re expected to mingle together all night. With a destination wedding your guests have a couple of days to hang out and get to know each other, so on the actual day of the wedding it’s one big party! New friends are made, and your folks get to really know the crazy crew you hang out with. Plus, when was the last time you went on vacation with your family anyways? Trust me, group vacations are the best!

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Photo by Kalen Hayman

4. You cut down the list

With a destination wedding, everyone knows that it’s going to be a smaller more intimate affair. You don’t have to invite every cousin, distant friend or obligatory “I invited you to mine” person. You can just invite the people that you really want to come and only the people that really want to go will come. One thing to note, you’d be surprised with how many people will come to a destination wedding. If you invite 100 people thinking only half will come, don’t be surprised if they all say yes!

5. It’s one big party

I may not be a wedding person but I am a party person (have you been to our epic Gotstyle parties?) There is something about being away from home, in another country, surrounded by sun, beach, good friends and family that brings a wedding party to the next level.

destination wedding

Here are 8 tips for planning a destination wedding:

1. Even if the resort is all inclusive, it doesn’t mean your reception will be!

You’ll be paying for the food and extra bar service for the reception, but it will still be considerably less than a wedding reception back home. We paid about $9,000 (US) total for the wedding day: $4,000 for food/booze, $3,000 for decor, $2,000 for DJ/sound. No one remembers the decor at the end of the day, but they remember the open bar and the music! (So don’t skimp on those). Other items we spent money on: A private boat cruise for all of our guests, private brunch the day after the wedding, and welcome bags. 

2. All inclusive does make other wedding events easier

All inclusive isn’t the only option for a destination wedding. It is the easiest when it comes to $$. It’s convenient to get everyone to meet up at a bar for drinks or plan a group dinner without having to worry about covering the costs. (You would be paying for the rehearsal dinner if it was at home). I feel that it’s especially important to entertain your guests for the days prior to the wedding day. You are taking their vacation time, and it also helps with getting everyone acquainted. 

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Photo by Kalen Hayman

3. That being said, make sure that you go to a resort that can accommodate large groups

When it comes to dinner, some resorts are only thinking couples stay and won’t let you come in with a group of even 6 people. I find the newer resorts (like the Riviera Cancun where we had our wedding) are starting to understand the market for destination weddings. They had separate rooms at each restaurant that could handle larger groups (10-15 people) and even a very extensive high end buffet that had a separate section to accommodate a group of 50 or more. They also had a variety of restaurants, bars and pools to choose from. Think bigger is better for a destination wedding to keep everyone entertained. I am usually more of a smaller boutique hotel person, but with a group of 50 people we would’ve overwhelmed a hotel and there would not have been the options to eat and drink. From talking to other people, with 40 or more people do it all inclusive and with less you could do a boutique hotel (or a castle or church in Europe) but it will be a lot more planning and work. 

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4. Don’t deal with the hotel directly

Personally I find it imperative to have someone local to help organize all the planning and logistics (especially if you don’t want to do all the work like me). We used Lux Destination Weddings and had Lizzie organizing all the flights and accommodations for our guests. Alexandre was my point person for all organizing and wedding logistics.  Make sure they have a wedding planner at the hotel that will be helping you the day of with certain details. Sometimes they may not be the best, so make sure you have a schedule worked out ahead of time. Pre plan things like: how the wedding party is going to walk in, how you want dinner to flow with speeches etc…

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5. Also look for a resort that has other amenities you can use

We did a Great Gatsby night at the casino and utilized the disco as the afterparty on the wedding night (at no additional cost). We also used another rooftop venue for a hangover brunch the next day (minimal cost). 

It’s important to think about where you’re going to carry the festivities on as most places have a no noise policy after 11pm. If there is no disco or lounge, look into getting one of the bigger suites to accommodate having guests over for drinks after (trust me they won’t want the night to end!)

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6. Spend the money that would’ve been for decor on kick ass welcome bags

They spent the money to join you so you’ve got to treat them right. Give them stuff they will use on their trip. For our guests we did a beach bag, Turkish towel for the beach, cool cover up for the ladies, hangover kit, sunscreen, bug spray, cute matches, candles (good for shared bathrooms!) and don’t forget an itinerary so everyone will know when and where they should be.

For a cool guest photo book, check out guesterly and expect Etsy to become your best friend. Yes, you will have to bring down a ton of stuff. You’re not be able to ship directly to most resorts but you should be given additional baggage allotments if you’re booking with a charter airline. We were allowed 46kgs each (versus the normal 20kgs each) and enlist the wedding party to help stuff the gift bags when you arrive. 

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7.  Don’t hire one of the resort photographers (they’re going to be shitty)

Do you have an acquaintance that is also a professional photographer? Think about paying for their trip and get them to shoot the wedding. They’ll get a mini vacation, and you have someone that you trust taking great pictures. This only works with people that are professional photographers and aren’t close friends. They need to understand that you are paying for their trip to work. You can also hire someone who is local but the resort may charge a ridiculous outside vendor fee (our charge would have been $800US plus the cost of having the photographer).

8. One last thing

Don’t think that because it’s a destination wedding you can get away with a linen shirt untucked or a bad looking beige coloured suit. At the end of the day you are paying good money for a destination wedding and you will want to have great pictures of you and your bride to look back on (and the groomsmen and everyone else). Nothing ruins great wedding pictures than a poorly dressed groom and wedding party! Trust me, beige does not look good on 90% of men! The formality that you would have had at home should extend to your destination wedding.

Do lighter weight fabrics or suck it up for 2 hours and take your jacket off after the ceremony and pictures.

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Don’t wear bad beige suits

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Parry Sound boys clean up nicely with a little Gotstyle

5 ways to elevate office style

5 Ways To Elevate Your Office Style

February 1, 2016

Cover photo credit: Van Gils

You know the guy that’s a little bit too obvious about being on a 5 day work wardrobe rotation? Don’t let that guy be you. It may be easy to get caught in the trap of wearing a boring office uniform, but dressing for success is key to showing professionalism and ambition. Switching up your style and taking things to the next level can be easy. I’m here to help with 5 ways to elevate your office style.

OFFICE STYLE TIP #1: GO CUSTOM
When it comes to suits, great fit matters over everything. Even if you don’t wear a suit every day, it’s important to have a perfectly tailored suit in your repertoire for meetings, presentations, and events. Think of your best suit as your go-to for when you need to step things up —  and nothing will fit (and look) better than a suit made expressly for you.

For details on the made to measure process, pricing, and advantages, Gotstyle’s tailor extraordinaire Konstantine has got you covered.

OFFICE STYLE TIP #2: ACCESSORIZE
The easiest way to elevate your office style is to add new accessories to your existing office wardrobe. It’s simple addition by, well, addition. Lapel pins, pocket squares, tie bars, shoe laces, and even work bags are all ways you can add pops of style and colour.

HOOK + ALBERT RED POLKA DOT FLOWER OFFICE LAPEL PIN
Hook + Albert Red Polka Dot Flower Lapel Pin: $30

A CHRISTENSEN RED PAISLEY PRINTED OFFICE POCKET SQUARE
A Christensen Red Paisley Printed Pocket Square: $45

Weber Slim Office Tie Bar
Weber Slim Tie Bar: $40

Sully Wong Burgundy Leather Laces
Sully Wong Burgundy Leather Laces: $35

URI MINKOFF FULTON LEATHER OFFICE BRIEFCASE
Uri Minkoff Fulton Leather Briefcase: $438

OFFICE STYLE TIP #3: ADD A VEST
A vest is a simple way to class up any office look. Wear it with one of your standard 2 piece suits to add complexity, texture, and contrast. Or, just roll up your sleeves and wear it over a well fitted dress shirt as a more casual look (this looks good on literally every guy).

contrast office vest
Photo Credit

One thing to watch out for: don’t try to match a new vest colour to an existing suit. Unless you have the exact same fabric, it won’t work, and will look off. The solution? Go with a contrast vest, and introduce a new colour to the suit entirely. It’s an unexpected look that shows off your style chops. Grey and blue (like in the photo above) always pair well, and can be used interchangeably between vest and suit.

CIRCLE OF GENTLEMEN KENYON HERRINGBONE SHAWL DB VEST office
Circle of Gentlemen Kenyon Herringbone Shawl Double Breasted Vest: $175

OFFICE STYLE TIP #4: WEAR A TIE
If you don’t normally wear a tie, step up your office style and wear one! There’s no better way to show you mean business.

If your office is casual or you don’t see yourself as a “tie guy,” try a knit or textured tie as a casual midway point between your usual laidback style and something that’s too formal.

THE COMMON FOLK YURAKUCHO INDIGO DYE HOUNDSTOOTH TIE office

The Common Folk Yarakucho Indigo Dye Houndstooth Tie: $100

OFFICE STYLE TIP #5: SUITS WITH BOOTS
Wearing a suit with boots is an awesome way to switch up a stale office rotation, but you need to do it right. If your suit fits well (which it should), the boots you pair with it need to be sleek and slim fitting. You want the outfit to look well put together and intentional — and not like you haven’t changed yet from your morning commute. The best way to achieve this? Chelsea boots.

gq suit office chelsea boots
gq office chelsea boots

Both of these looks (courtesy of GQ) add some rocker edge to a suiting look, without being too chunky or out of place. It’s a menswear power move, and you can totally pull it off. Reserve this look for fall and winter, and make sure to match your belt and boots to keep everything tied together.

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Ready to step things up? Gotstyle’s stylist team has got you covered. Book your appointment today at 416-260-9696 or info@gotstyle.ca.