The Coats & Jackets You Need This Fall

Fall is almost upon us and it's time to start getting your fall/winter wardrobe out.  I love this time of year and what it allows me to do with my wardrobe.  Between the layering options, different textures and fabrics available and the seemingly endless amount of accessories available to you, fall is the best time to make a statement about your own personal style.  Of course, with the cooler weather you're going to want to keep warm and a classic, stylish jacket is the perfect way to do that.  Today I'll show you 3 timeless jackets that are a perfect addition to any man's wardrobe.

The Peacoat

The peacoat has its roots with 19th century European sailors, originally cut from a fabric called p-cloth.  The fabric was coarse and was designed to repel water and keep the sailors dry and warm.  However the style took to land and has stuck ever since.  Peacoats are always double-breasted, have big collars and usually bold anchor buttons.  It's all part of what makes the peacoat so recognizable.  Keep in mind that this is not a jacket to wear with your suit, peacoats are cut short and your suit jacket will pop out of the bottom.  These days peacoats are available in a huge variety of styles, colors and fabrics but I like to stick to classics.  Now normally I'm not an Old Navy fan but I picked up this wool blend peacoat for only $50 last season and it is great.  The cut is surprisingly fitted and it is incredibly warm and comfortable.  It's available again this season so jump on this one when you can find a discount deal, Old Navy has them all the time.

Men's Wool-Blend Peacoat | Old Navy

The Trench Coat

Similar in style to the peacoat, the trench coat was originally designed by Burberry for officers of the British Royal Army.  The trench is recognizable by being cut longer (sometimes all the way to the knees), including a belt, epaulets, a button yoke on the back shoulders and a buttoned flap over the right shoulders.  Trench coats are also generally made of a lighter material than peacoats, with modern versions incorporating many synthetic fabrics into their construction.  Often the biggest question of style when wearing a trench coat will come down to your belt: do you tie it? buckle it? hang it in the back?  I see it as a matter of personal preference, experiment and see what you like most.  If you really hate the belt, take it out and cut off the loops.

Shades of Grey Tan Trench Coat | Piperlime

The Leather Jacket

I've already gone in depth into How to Buy a Leather Jacket, but it's worth another mention in this article because the leather jacket is an essential addition to any man's wardrobe.  If you're really too lazy to go read that article, I'll give the short version here: make sure it fits snug, keep it simple without a lot of embellishments and try out a brown jacket before settling on black.  That said, I think the most classic leather jacket look for fall is a bomber style, pictured below.  Just rebellious enough to get a second glance, but conservative enough to take to the office.

Burberry Leather Bomber Jacket | Nordstrom

Thanks for reading.  As always, be dapper.

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How to Buy A Leather Jacket: A Simple Guide

A well made leather jacket can be an expensive proposition, luckily you can make a leather jacket last for years if you invest well.  Not only that, but a leather jacket is one of the most versatile pieces of outerwear you can own.  They look great over t-shirts, polos, oxfords, and anything else you can think of.  The trick is finding one that doesn't look like it's swallowing you.  Today we'll talk about how to find a leather jacket that you'll love to wear for years to come.

Size it Down

My guess is that most leather jackets are made too big.  Not a scientific fact, just my observation from trying on leather jackets over the years.  Due to this, if you simply abide by the sizes you are buying for t-shirts, you are going to end up with a jacket that is too big.  When you're shopping for your next leather jacket, try on one that's a size smaller than you would expect.  You should still be able to zip it up, but it should be snug.  The armholes should be a little higher than you might be used to and the sleeves should fit tightly as well.  It may be slightly uncomfortable, but the beautiful thing about leather is that it will stretch and conform to your body over time.  Plus, you don't want this looking like your dad's bomber jacket, this should be a jacket with a modern tailoring cut.  One more thing, make sure the jacket ends right at the waist of your jeans, any longer and the trim look of the jacket won't be noticed.

Think He Needs A Large?  Think Again. | GQ.com

No Patches, Stripes, Extra Zippers, etc.

Many designers like to add all kinds of embellishments to their clothing in an effort to make them stand out (Express, I am talking about you.)  Sadly, all these extras do is get in the way of what could otherwise be a great looking piece of clothing.  If you find a leather jacket that fits you perfectly, the jacket will do all the talking.  So avoid the "Honor" patches, the racing stripes up the side and anything that generally is unnecessary to the look of the jacket.

Schott NYC Vintage Motorcycle Jacket

Give Brown a Chance

Yes, black is the ultimate go-to color for leather jackets, I know.  However, that does not mean you shouldn't look into brown.  I actually believe it is a more versatile color than black, same as I believe with shoes (as I talked about in this article: Buying Fashionable Men's Shoes.)  You are able to inject many more colors and palettes into an outfit with a brown leather jacket than black.  And if you intend to wear a leather jacket often (why wouldn't you?) then you will want something versatile.  Bottom line, just TRY a brown leather jacket before you decide on a black one.  You may be surprised at how good they will look on you.

All Saints Recluse Biker Jacket

Thanks for reading.  As always, be dapper.

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Dress Up Your Wrist with a Classic Watch

I love watches, but I'm pretty convinced that most guys are under the impression that a watch needs to be gigantic to look good.  How wrong they are, slimmed down watches are a classic look and should be a part of any man's ensemble.  I know that watches really aren't a necessity anymore, your cellphone is your time keeper and nothing is going to change that.  However they still look great with a suit and give you an added touch of sophistication.  I'll go over some things to keep in mind for your next watch in this article and where you can find them.

Ditch the Metal Band, You Want Leather

Wearing a watch with a metal band is a little like having a car that is all chrome, it's just too much. Leather helps balance out the metal accents of your watch and is much more understated. I recommend at least having two bands you can switch between (if not two watches) for black and brown leather. Match them to your shoes if you can. Also, keep the band slim, you're not trying to look like a rockstar. Below is an excellent example from Timex.

Timex Easy Reader

You Don't Need 15 Dials

Too many watches have crowded faces, which simply makes them look busy. You don't need to know what time it is in Cairo, you don't need to time your walk to the bathroom and you really don't even need the date (this one I'll accept if it's the only other thing on the face.) Bottom line: keep it clean and minimal. It will draw less attention to the watch and you are wearing a watch as an accent piece, not the focal point of your wardrobe. This watch from Calvin Klein shows off how to keep your timepiece simple.

Calvin Klein Concept Strap Watch

Keep the Case Slim

Once again, your watch is an accent piece, having it stick out an inch from your wrist doesn't really accomplish that. Also, it's going to get in the way if your watch face is gigantic and you'll end up taking it off by the end of the day. If you have any doubts, try it on with your suit jacket. Does it slip into the sleeve or make it bunch up around your wrist? If you're struggling to get your jacket back around the watch, it's too big.  The Bulova watch below is slim enough to make sure you show your watch when you want to, not all the time.

Bulova Men's Dress Watch

One of the great things about getting a slim leather banded watch is that it is so versatile. It's going to look great with your suit, and if you want to dress it down you can pick up a nylon strap with some color for less than $30. Do you have a great watch that you love to wear? If so I'd love to see it, shoot some pictures to bedapper@blogspot.com and you might be featured in a future article.

Thanks for reading. As always, be dapper.

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Belts Are a Choice, Not a Necessity. But You Should Choose to Wear One.

Let me lead this post off by saying that if you are wearing a belt so your pants don't fall down, you need new pants.  Belts should be an accessory you choose to complement the rest of your ensemble, not something you wear to avoid mooning the whole office.  That said, once you have some pants that fit correctly you can use your belt to add some splash to your wardrobe or to just keep your look together.

The Leather Belt

I really should not have to tell you that the leather belt is one thing that you have to have at least one of. If not two. Probably two.  Yah, you need two. Black and brown should be represented, as it's important to match your belt to your shoes when they are both leather. Some people like a white leather belt as well, I'm not one of them. I prefer to have two different widths of each as well. A belt that is appropriate with trousers and suits should be about 1 - 1 1/2 inches wide, no more. Something closer to 2 inches is more appropriate for jeans.  With your business attire, keep the buckle simple like the belts featured below from Boss and Express.

BOSS Black '9005' Leather Belt

Express 2-in-1 Reversible Leather Belt

The Webbed Belt

A killer look with jeans and shorts, the webbed belt is a stylish choice not only because it looks great but also because you can find them dirt cheap. I prefer the double ring closure to the full buckle but either can be a good look. There are so many variations of the nylon webbed belt out there that I recommend having 3 or 4 in your wardrobe, just to match and contrast with a variety of outfits. Below are two different but very classy webbed belts from Urban Outfitters and Tommy Hilfiger.

Urban Outfitters Reversible D-Ring Belt

Tommy Hilfiger Webbed Belt

The Braided Belt

Out of popularity for many years, mostly due to the fact that people wore them at functions where a more formal belt was necessary, the braided belt is something you most likely think of your grandpa wearing. However they can be a fashionable casual accessory when worn correctly. First of all, keep it thin (this is still a leather belt) and make sure that it is the right waist size. It's easy to not think about waist size with a braided belt because there are no holes for the buckle, but you should not have more than 2 inches of belt sticking out from your first belt loop once the belt is on and fitting right. I love these two belts from Land's End and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Land's End Men's Braided Belt

Polo Ralph Lauren Braided Leather O-Ring Belt

Getting the right belt for the occasion and making sure the style is appropriate is key to getting your look right. Feel free to experiment with more casual styles but when you are trying to keep a look classic and professional, keep your belt matching your shoes.

Thanks for reading.  As always, be dapper.

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