Some stuff just works, looks, and/or feels so much better than the competition. These are the “eureka!” inducing, style-epiphany causing things that once discovered, you wonder how you ever got along without them. So what are yours? Share your additional style game changing favorites in the comments below. Top Photo Credit: Roger Goun
1. J. Crew Ludlow Blazers + Suits
BR’s tailored fit blazers and suit jackets cost a significant amount less, but they don’t quite nail it the way J. Crew’s Ludlow does. You have to play the sale game and be patient, but if you can hold off until a Ludlow blazer (or suit) gets into your price range, then good grief are they something. From the barely there shoulder pads, to the substantial feeling chest piece and half canvas (on most models), to the slightly lower slung button stance and off the rack trim arms… Ludlow jackets from J. Crew are as good as it gets. Plus the sleeve buttons are non-functioning. The Ludlow is just a step or two ahead of the rest.
2. Dress shirts with a lowered second button (like Ledbury)
Speaking of button stance… Ledbury shirts are pricey. Made in Europe (Poland) from Italian fabrics, and they’re a big splurge. But the construction and feel is incredible, plus the second button on their shirts has been lowered by a few centimeters. That makes a huge difference. You’re neither too buttoned up with just the top button undone, nor are you looking too Don-Juan de cheeseball with two undone and the placket drifting open (there is a way to prevent that). Ratio also seems to have a slightly lower second button. Wish some of the more affordable brands out there would catch on.
Ledburys shirts feature a second button that’s a bit lower than other dress shirts.
3. Slimming down from a bi-fold or tri-fold to a card case.
Less really is more when it comes to how much junk you’re carrying in your pockets. It’s not an easy transition. But try and give a slim card case a shot before you fall victim to the Costanza Wallet, which is really nothing more than micro-hoarding.
4. Wurkin Stiffs
Collar stays are the bare minimum, but if you’re particular about how you want your collar to look, then the magnetic wurkin stiffs are a must. A big help when going tieless. Many have pointed out that you can make these on your own with some metal collar stays and small rare-earth magnets, but the originals haven’t let many (any?) down. Plus, you can now get the covered w/ color so they conceal a bit more buttons.
5. Amazon Prime
For $79 a year you get free two day shipping or overnight shipping for an extra three bucks on almost every item sold by Amazon. You also get access to their Kindle Lending library, as well as their Netflix like service. The amount of time and gas you save from running around trying to find the little every-day stuff is immense. Absolute honesty here: I thought $79 was steep before I gave it a shot for a one month trial. For me, it’s a bargain. More from Primer here.
6. Banana Republic Pima Cotton Blend Socks
These are the mainly cotton, with a bit of poly/nylon/spandex, socks. They’re the perfect mix between dressed up and casual. They’re super soft, neither too thick nor paper thin, and they stay up on your calves all day. Plus, they’re the perfect item to throw in your cart if you’re close to tipping the free shipping threshold, or, you’re in store hoping to pick up a “oh you bought something? Here’s a coupon for your next visit” promotion.
Affordable, durable, squishy soft and they won’t droop during the day.
7. Pocket Tees
Graphic tees are overdone (and expensive), and plain tees can feel a little too much like underwear. The answer: A pocket tee. Much more casual than a polo, but still has some purpose.
8. Single Monk Straps
Double monks are great, but they can be flashy. Lace-ups can sometimes feel slightly stuffy. Right in between sits the humble single monk. More casual than a lace up, but that buckle isn’t showing all of the time. Not a ton of options out there, but they are available in more casual options like the Allen Edmonds Lubbock and Florsheim Asset, as well as dressed up pairs like The Franciscan from A.E or the always on sale at LastCall single monk from Magnanni.
Not always necessary to make it a double.
9. Packing and eating a salad every day for lunch
Many a slim fit pair of pants had to be shelved due to mindless calories consumed at Hooters, Carl’s Jr., and various local bar/grill joints. Two benefits here: 1. More money stays in your pocket, and thus, can be put towards something like a new blazer or pair of shoes (or saved of course). 2. Your waistline is more likely to fit between those pockets. Sound too wimpy? Check out the Art of Manliness “Man’s Salad” that Brett used to boost his testosterone levels.
10. A spring bar tool
Swapping out watch straps on a favorite time piece is pretty similar to putting a new, fresh coat of paint up on the walls of a tired looking room. Same basic thing at the core, but the surroundings make it look completely new. Also helps to keep the watchstrap switcharoo in mind when shopping for a time piece. Lots of great looking pieces come with less than good looking bands, which can be easily changed out for something better looking. A warning: Ultra cheap spring bar tools are usually junk. The one seen below is nice and solid, and comes in a kit that looks just like this
Your turn guys. What’s the one (or many) things that have had a great impact on your own personal style? This is pretty open ended, but that’s by design. Leave it all in the comments section below.
I am adding tie bars. You can go as simple/safe or as fun as you like with them while adding a little extra personality. They are also really great for conversation starters. http://www.cufflinks.com/tiebacl.html
…and while I am at it, also listing Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm and their Hand Salve. Winter can be tough on skin and lips.
Cordovan shoes… it’s such a beautiful material. Once I got my first pair of Aldens in Color 8, I find myself spending my days staring at my feet and thinking about what my next shell purchase will be.
Pocket squares and knit ties.
Discovering traditional double edge and single edge safety razors was a revelation for me. Instead of trying to squeeze as many shaves as possible out of expensive clog-prone cartridge blades, I now buy double edge blades in packs of 100 for significantly less than the cost of a cartridge 4-pack. I get 4 to 8 great shaves out of a good quality DE blade, then throw it out instead of trying to make each cartridge last a month. Also the quality of the shaves is much better once you know what you are doing, the razors themselves are elegant and beautiful, and clogging is a thing of the past.
High quality brogues. AE Player’s Shoe in Walnut were my first top-notch shoe purchase. I’ve had them for around a year, and they’re still my favorite shoes despite a dozen or so additions in the time since. There are few things they don’t look good with and they always manage to get me some compliments.
I can agree on the J Crew Ludlow blazers. I finally got my first one off eBay a month ago and I now no longer wait for the BR blazers to go on sale. Instead, I’m constantly checking the J Crew site.
The spring bar tool is another must. Makes it so easy to reinvent your watch to the wy you want it to look.
Second the knit ties. Once I switched primarily to knit ties, whenever a situation calls for a classic silk woven tie, no matter how nice it is, I feel like a used car salesman wearing the tie that came pre-attached to his shirt.
Pocket squares. Versatile and cheap, can really put some life into your attire
Consider wearing your tie bars at an angle to offset the fustiness they connote.
I love metal collar stays (with or without magnets), but Wurkin Stiffs are way too expensive. Kudos to them for the idea, but you can make them yourself much cheaper as long as you can find paramagnetic metal stays. Here are the ones I use:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L8J0C6/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GU5XS6/
Shout-out to Amazon Prime, of course.
Too much love for the Ludlow Suits/Blazers over here. You never seem to mention that the lapels are too slim for most business settings
Why can’t J Crew’s Ludlow come in short sizes? That is a deal breaker for me.
I agree. Over time during the day, they shift a little bit.
Mind as well start with them at an angle!
Personally, the big ones would be:
-“good” denim -I’m a huge Naked & Famous fan these days, but really- anything that fits well and isn’t garishly rinsed is the difference between looking like an adult or a college freshman
-I’d broaden #9 above a bit, to include having any sense of how you want your body, the thing you hang your clothes on, to be shaped (For example I’m trying to put on weight rather than drop it) There’s a huge difference in what you can pull off (and what’s cut to fit you, unfortunately) depending on how you’re built.
Heel and toe taps for dress shoes. The most affordable investment you can make for leather bottomed dress shoes to extend the life of the sole. Go plastic/rubber and you don’t even know they’re down there.
You can find metal collar stays on Amazon for cheaper than Wurkin’ Stiffs.
I would have to go with grenadine ties. I got my first one recently from The Knottery when they had that amazing 50% off sale. Similar to the knit ties others have mentioned, it just adds so much visual detail with the texture. I’m hooked. I have set up email alerts for when their other colors become available.
For real. I am by no means “into” shaving, but damn these are a game changer.
Your 2nd point is a good one (not to say your first point isn’t). I used to have a cross country runner’s build. Once I put on about 30-35lbs, clothes just fit my body much better. Then it is a matter of taking care of oneself and maintaining it.
Thanks for the mention, as always, Joe! We do have a 3.5″ button-stance on the second button, by default. Ledbury might be a tad lower (I think 4″). However, this is one of those things we’re happy to customize for you by special request, so if anyone needs a specific distance, we can handle it. It’s those little details that make all the difference!
They do. Unfortunately they sell out fairly quick. (Unless you’re talking about unconstructed, which is just S/M/L/etc sizing)
I’ll add my vote in favor of the “make your own” Wurkin Stiffs.
Another game changer for me was the discovery that grey undershirts don’t show through shirts. Made me able to wear ‘beaters, which revolutionized my summertime comfort level.
This should be on the list instead of pocket tees.
Related to #9 – not being lazy and weight training regularly. Running is good for slimming down but you need to weight train unless you want to become a stick. Clothes fit and look so much better when you actually have chest and shoulder muscles. Get under that bar on the bench and start pushing weight every week; then work that military press to build your shoulders up. It takes dedication and commitment but the gains are immeasurable from a fashion, health and lifestyle standpoint. And I don’t even like working out. It’s the main weakness of the fashion inclined male – your clothes are dope but your body is flabby looking.
Very useful. Curious as to what brand gray undershirts you go with? V-Neck T’s or all wife beaters?
Surprised no one has mentioned henleys. I prefer them over the pocket tees.
Yeah I think I discovered pocket tees back in 1978 when I started wearing Fruit of the Loom pocket tees just like dad’s in size 6x. I don’t actually wear tee-shirts with vestigial pockets much anymore, and I don’t associate the pocket as much with sophistication as I do with navy blue mechanic’s uniform pants, and open packs of Marlboro reds.
I do wish that their lapels were a little wider, but I’d rather them lean slim than lean fat, and the construction/quality/feel is incredible. Suitsupply is up there, but when it comes to stand alone blazers, I’ll take the Ludlow myself.
Terrific! Many thanks as always to the good folks at Ratio.
Maybe I am thinking too obviously here, but I would put “learning how clothes should fit” as #1 and everything else as a distant second. I’m relatively new to all of this, but it still absolutely shocks me when I think about how I look now compared to how I used to dress in sagging baggy pants and shirts just because I thought I wore a large because I am six feet tall. Otherwise, I definitely second the card case! Not only is it easy on your back but it forces you to rid yourself of clutter… Something I could do with less of in almost every aspect of my life.
Great call. And there’s plenty of us in the just-ditching undershirts all together department. Sorta like going from billfold to card case for your torso. But I know plenty just aren’t comfortable with not wearing an undershirt.
I like henleys but I think they’re starting to flow into douchey area. I’m seeing more and more guys who used to wear Affliction shirts are starting to rock henleys. Proceed with caution…
It’s not an either or list 🙂
Third. Big fan of solid, small gauge knit ties. Or silk/wool blends.
I’m at about 95% ‘beaters. My brands are Gap (I only buy them on sale, but the are often on sale at my local outlet) and Hanes.
I tried it out for a few months and liked the feel. However, (and I’m not a particularly sweaty guy) I was left with staining after just a few wears. Any idea if this may be due to my deodorant?
Fourthed, but I think there’s too much personal preference to them to be the kind of sure-fire hit this article seemed to talk about. Nonetheless, I’ve basically re-upped my tie game all around knits.
Seconding on monks. I’ve got a lace aversion that’s really too stupid to explain, but obviously most chunky loafers aren’t an option.
Since it’s so open ended, I have to say turning my back on anti-perspirants and going the deodorant direction changed my life. I haven’t had yellow pit stains in over 10 years due to no longer using anything that contains aluminum chlorohydrate as an ingredient. I can’t tell you how many undershirts (when I used to wear them) were ruined by this. And it’s even more important when I drop a ton of money on a really nice shirt. For the record…in case anyone cares…I usually use some scent of Old Spice.
One more choice – Allen Edmonds Norich is supposed to be $179 for factory seconds during thier Memorial Day sale.
Don’t know if this will work for you but it did for me: switching from (and I know this sounds crazy) an antiperspirant, to just a plain ol deodorant. I know this sounds counter intuitive, but it leaves the pits of your shirts way cleaner and for some reason it made my pits way less sweaty.
Joe, don’t know if you caught this on Put This On, but I’m really diggin the unlined OCBD with tie look. Feel like it’s one of those perfect blends of dressed up and casual, which in and of itself is a game-changer.
http://putthison.com/post/48045965518/that-enviable-roll-our-reviews-of-modern-oxford
Speedstick with stainguard, it’s been a revelation for me.
I’ve been interested in trying this for awhile too. did you find anything good online with tips for teaching yourself?
Try an antiperspirant without aluminum in it. The aluminum causes the yellow stains on shirts.
You should try an antiperspirant without aluminum in it like this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001CI8NZI. You can still put some deodorant on over it if you want.
I am going to try the Arm and Hammer…I’ve been using Every Man Jack. I made the switch to deodorant a few weeks ago and it’s been great for me. I’m not a fan of the aluminum build-up.
artofmanliness.com has a great set of articles that got me started.
badgerandblade.com is an excellent forum with more info than you could ever want on classic shaving. Also youtube has plenty of tutorials if you are so inclined. I will just say this. It’s not rocket science. Get the blade angle right, and forget what cartridges have taught you about applying pressure. 2 or three passes, starting with the grain will give you a very smooth shave without irritation, but start with one pass with the grain, while you figure out about angle and pressure.
Or Homemade. Equal parts baking soda and corn starch. Costs pennies and actually works better for me than storebought brands. I was shocked when I tried it.
Thanks, Ravi, but I’m basically saying I use deodorant (without aluminum) INSTEAD of antiperspirant now. Maybe some people have a sweating problem and need antiperspirant…I don’t…in which case that is a good link to check out.
The first basic game changer for me was to quit wearing sneakers all the time. Once you graduate to a more stylish and adult shoe, you start to see where the other gaps in your wardrobe are and adjust accordingly.
Has anyone had problems with fits on the Ludlow jackets? I’m typically a 42, but the chest on several I tried were huge. Sizing down didn’t help. I’m not bulky, but nor am I rail thin (6′ 1″ and 172 lbs.). The salesman (who I’ve spoken to before and really knows clothes), said others had complained about the 42 in particular.
I feel like it’s a conspiracy against those of us more “barrel-chested” individuals. If I was 2% body fat, the lapels would still make me look like a tool.
Tie bars are fashionable AND functional. Check out our collection, where you can choose, wear, and exchange. FreshNeck – the “Netflix for Ties.”
Wool socks aren’t on here. Cotton socks w/ Spandex are. That is a mistake.
Wool socks didn’t make the list. Cotton blended socks did. This …is a mistake.
Cotton is really an inferior material for dress and business casual wear. Wool socks last longer, keep your feet warm in the cold and cool in the heat, wick away sweat, can usually be worn two days before washing, and usually have thicker padding on the bottom of the sock (which feels great).
Replacing my cotton socks with thin wool socks for casual/business casual wear was a total game changer for me.
11. Dappered.com.
12 pairs of shoes in the past year? You must bring a LOT of salad to work.
A waffle henley with the sleeves bunched up to the elbow is $$, and cheap, generally. Not on board with the short sleeved version; to me that’s where the douche comes in.
I’m 5’11” 165, and it boggles my mind every time I end up fitting best in a small. Sizing in this country is fubar.
They Might Be Giants wisely opined that “bangs are like a pocket t-shirt, as casual as that yet fully intentional.” Pocket tees say, “I’m casual, but I’m being casual on purpose.”
Hate single monks. From some angles it’s barely clear that you are wearing a monkstrap. the most logical number of straps for securing the shoe is two, not three and not one. It allows for more flexibility slipping in and out of a shoe than a single monk and doesn’t have a redundant strap like the rarely seen triple monk.
Single monks make a statement. And that statement is “I think I’m edgy, I really do, but I’m too scared to broadcast that loudly.” I’d rather say I’m edgy, or a conformist, not some wishy washy in between zone.
Thanks for the heads up. I bought the magnets and a set of metal collar stays (different set since I need some 2 inchers). I’ve been eying Wurkin Stiffs for ages, but could just never justify $40 on them. $20 for 30 stays and 8 magnets is much more palatable.
I have to respect your opinion on this, it is well thought out, but I don’t know if I agree. I’ve only started wearing a monk strap, and I got a single which at least I think looks really good, and goes with a lot of my suits. When I look at many doubles, they look like a shoe that is trying to pull a vest over itself. I have seen some nice doubles, and some bad singles…and I will agree the triple seems a bit too much. Maybe I haven’t thought it out enough, or don’t have the refined sense of style you have, but for now I don’t mind my single at all.
Ha! None were purchased at full retail. 4 were from eBay and 3 were gifts. And yes, I pack my own lunch often 🙂
You are missing the point of Wurkin’ Stiffs. The magnet that pulls the collar stay tight to the shirt is the magic of them, not just the metal collar stay. http://wurkinstiffs.com/about-us/
Circling back to this post, because I realized that my number one style discovery hasn’t been mention:
take your shirts to a tailor!
Great for blousing on dress shirts (although I realize that slim fits can also address), but I’m amazed what it does for my casual shirts. This morning I pulled on a Steven Allen polo that my tailor had taken in. Looks great and it makes me look great. (and I realize this advice doesn’t apply if you have a belly).