Thursday, October 30, 2014
Cool Weather? Get a Cooler Look
While waiting for tailoring at Suitsupply, I saw today's look on a mannequin. Pictures are usually worth a 1,000 words, but this one doesn't even do justice to how great this is in person.
So I lusted. I got a headache over the vest and the internal struggle to keep from spending so much on it. I lost sleep thinking about where I'd wear this (...did I mention I might have a Suitsupply problem?).
Anyway, Suitsupply rarely steers me wrong and if I ever won the lottery, basically everything in my closet would have their label on it. So on to the outfit.
The Seven Wonders of this Wool-Heavy Look
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| Items via Suitsupply and Banana Republic |
The Breakdown
Light Grey Bodywarmer - Suitsupply $229
That's right, $229. A lot of money, but you're not going to find a whole lot of light grey, 100% wool, double-breasted, notched-collared bodywarmers out there. And if you do, chances are they aren't going to be of this quality or price. So you kind of have to bite the bullet here (go ahead, click the pic to enlarge and take in how wonderful that nap would feel...).
Also this is a bodywarmer, so that back is fully lined. Just plain old sexy-as-f*...this is an item I haven't bought yet and it will probably be sold out by the time I save up enough money. But I'm starting to wonder if I'll have more buyer's regret not getting it than I will if I pony up over 2-bills for a jacket without sleeves.
Everything else here has great texture to it, so why leave it out on the shirt? This is a nice honeycomb pattern that really pops in person, and gives nice visual interest without screaming for attention.
Also, the wide collar works well to extend far enough under the cardigan and still give you room for the tie.
This is the one item I couldn't find on the Suitsupply website, but I did find a pretty spot-on match at Banana Republic. As of typing, it's 30% off...so just over $75 (you should never be paying full-price for things at Banana Republic). Note that the collar on the cardigan sits flat, so it won't puff out your bodywarmer when you layer it.
Unless you're a Dandy, upon original sighting of these pants, you probably went, "Whuuut?" But believe it or not, they kill it here. I'd also try them when wearing a charcoal, brown, blue, or camel overcoat. Or even the traditional Inspector Clouseau tan trench coat. Surprisingly versatile for something that looks like it used to make an excellent couch cover.
Let's see, we've got 3-to-1 ratio of wool-to-cotton so far...so let's add some more wool!
Great texture on this tie, but more importantly those little pops of red and blue give you a chance to splash a little color into this outfit while maintaining the woolen earth-tone theme.
Ain't nothing wrong with Clarks Desert Boots, but if you have money to burn (really, even after that vest, you've got extra money?...we need to start hanging out more) you can go with these Blake stitched Italian Calf Skin boots from Suitsupply.
That's right, even the Italian cows will say, "Mio fratello sembra grande su di voi!" when you put these on (thanks, Google Translate).
Finally, because this outfit truly is as practical as it is sexy, you might as well have your gloves ready for that long walk in the woods, the first flakes of snow, or just to fill the empty pocket in your vest.
These leather gloves with a...wait for it...WOOL and cashmere lining, are icing on the cake.
Personally I have to hold off on many pieces in this favorite look of mine because you can't just buy everything you love. But if you've got the resources to go for it, rest assured you'll probably be the best dressed and warmest dude you'll run into all day.
Upside...lots of compliments and peeks in your direction. Downside...you'll appear so prepared you'll probably be asked to make the morning coffee run. Oh well, just another opportunity to show off your excellent look. (pick me up a pumpkin spice, please?)
Too much wool? I don't think so, but leave your thoughts in the comments below. Including what you'd wear with those Orange Blue Pants.
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