We’ve all been to one of these. It’s a come-one-come-all kind of party where people drift in and out of a house that’s fun, welcoming, and warm as all hell inside because it’s at capacity. Maybe some of us have even thrown these kinds of things. The problem is, you can’t open the windows because it’s frigid outside, but it gets stuffy fast. Best to leave your stellar flannel suit in the closet, stay relaxed, but still look winter/holiday appropriate. Here’s how:
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A well tailored Cord Blazer: J. Crew 18-Wale – $118.50 w/ GIFTS ($158)
J. Crew’s current code GIFTS gets you 25% off purchases of $150+ or 30% off purchases of $250+. Luckily enough, J. Crew’s new 18-wale cord blazer just came in, and they’re priced right above that first cutoff. Similar to their 14-wale, only the lines of corduroy on these are slimmer. A cord blazer is still plenty holidayish, but it’s cotton so it won’t be as heavy as a tweed. Nor will it be as showy as velvet. Also available, the cheaper INC cord with patch pockets.
The red patterned shirt: L.E.C. Tartan Poplin – $49.50 | Target Merona – $22.99
If there’s a shirt to wear while sipping eggnog, these be them. Lots of ho-ho-ho fueled boldness but most of it will be covered up by the blazer. Even under the blazer, it’ll be more comfortable than the wool sweaters the rest of the guys will probably be wearing.
The Light Grey Tie: 1901 Solid Wool Knit Tie – $39.50
The texture on a knit tie is going to get pretty close to the same level of texture in an 18-wale cord blazer, but that big, bold shirt is the transition/distraction in-between.
Dark Denim: Levi’s 527 Boot Cut
& Levi’s 514 Slim Straight – $35.99*
($54.00)
A straight fit like the 501 or even L.L. Bean Signature’s 5-pocket jean is ideal, but these are on sale and if you’re on the thinner side, the slim straights might be dead on for your lower body. Yes the boot cut flares a little at the base. But it’s not hugely exaggerated.
The Cheap Wingtip Boots: Hawkins McGill – $88.00
If the weather is going to be crap, might want to keep your best Allen Edmonds in the closet. These go on sale every so often and the tan versions are holding up just fine for me. They have gone on sale before, so the price could very well drop the next time they run a big sale. No lug sole on these, so walk carefully.
The Cheaper Watch: Seiko 5 SNK809 – $62.33
($185)
This is the reason why some Automatic fans refuse to spend more than $50 on a quartz watch. This one is just north of $60, fulfilled by Amazon, and comes with one of Seiko’s most popular automatic movements. Pic shown taken by this guy (and nice work by the way) with a replacement leather strap installed. Comes with a canvas strap.
That combination should leave you with a better shape & more comfortable than the sweater wearers. The J. Crew 25% off $150+ / 30% off $250+ code GIFTS expires on 12/4/11. Should get you free shipping too. Top Photo Credit
You know, I’m kinda worried that I’m becoming a watch addict. Every time you post a watch I like I get the urge to buy it.
Also wish you’d include belts in these posts just cause I wanna get some belts and would love suggestions 🙂
Love the boots. Defeated to see that the biggest size they come in is 10.5.
Cord blazer + borderline just straight red plaid = hell yes. Elbow patches make that combo even better
I have to break out my thrifted crimson camel hair blazer for this.
great watch for $62… my wallet hates you joe
Red plaid shirts scream lumberjack, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm3Q9NB7rh0
That being said, itll match the “peach fuzz” I’ve been nursing from No shave november.
Snagged the Seiko above off Amazon a few weeks ago when it hit $55. Happy thus far, but will be happier when I slap a NATO band on it.
Lumberjacks are badass so no problem there.
Joe, you’ve successfully sold me on these watches and I’m not yet convinced that its a good thing. Will this Seiko fit the J. Crew nato straps that i so dearly love?
I’ve been eyeing that Seiko for a while. This site has turned me into a watch fanatic.
What color patterned shirt should I look for if I’m wearing a navy blue blazer?
All of J. Crew Factory is currently 40% off including new arrivals. Prices are as marked. You can stack the promotions with the code GIFTS.
Actually, Navy Blue Corduroy.
It should. Both the watch lug width and the strap are 18mm wide.
What nato straps are these? I’m sort of new to the idea of switching out watch bands (and watches in general), and have a larger wrist so some bands don’t particularly fit well (last hole in the leather, feels weird).
Cord can speak for itself, particularly with it being a non-neutral grey/brown/tan. For the holidays, navy is going to be a less popular color, but I’d typically stick with white/blue combo, possibly with some green or purple mixed in. The key is that the pattern size/strength doesn’t blend and isn’t too similar to the cord
I’m wearing the tan Hawkings Mcgill boots right now and love them. Heads up though, I ordered these from Urban Outfitters on Sept 30 and they came in on Nov 30. It’s one hell of a backorder, but worth the wait.
This looks vaguely like what I wore for Thanksgiving dinner – corduroy sport coat, dark jeans, casual leather lace-ups. But I had a red sweater over a tattersall button-down rather than just a red shirt. I thought I looked good but not so dressy as to raise eyebrows from my jeans-wearing, mountain-town family.
If you aren’t a skinny hipster and you don’t live in a major urban area, there’s nothing offensive about a bit of red plaid.
Thanks!
I’d go with something white and checked. Tattersall or something similar.
Please delete.
I agree wholeheartedly, we are.
TGT2X6XT gets you 20% off Merona apparel at Target. I believe it’s free shipping as well.
The price of that watch seems to fluctuate a lot on Amazon. I got it a few weeks ago for $54, and have seen it for even more than 62 before…
Anyway, it’s a great watch for the price. It’s my first mechanical watch so I can’t really say how it compares to others.
Nice! Thanks, I’m loving that shirt.