Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

5 Favorites – Dappered Reader & Threads Contributor Ryan N.

April 25, 2018 By Ryan N | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Sure it’s just stuff. But stuff can make life easier, more enjoyable, etc… Every so often we ask one of our favorite, style-appreciating people to rattle off their five favorite things. Sometimes those things will fit into the realm of “affordable,” and sometimes they won’t. We’re going for the favorites here.

Ryan N. is a professional web developer for (and alum from) the University of Delaware, who keeps a close shave as to not be confused with his strongly-bearded twin brother. He plays guitar and drums, and loves going to concerts with his wife.

His commute serves to chip away at a backlog of podcasts and audiobooks, and he keeps his Kindle stocked with digital reading material from his local library via OverDrive. A recently-converted early riser and fledgling meditator thanks to The Miracle Morning, he enjoys those few precious moments of calm and clarity before the kids wake up, and a fine scotch or IPA after they go to bed. Cheers!

 

Red Wing Heritage Blacksmith Boots

Red Wing Heritage Blacksmith Boots

As the second-newest item on this list (you’ll see), these have quickly eclipsed my beloved Stafford Deacons (RIP) for the title of my favorite footwear. The initial break-in period was ROUGH, but well-worth it for the high-quality leather and custom fit. The charcoal shade is warm, the brassy accents look sharp, and it complements everything in my fall/winter wardrobe.

 

American Eagle 360 Extreme Flex Black Denim Jacket

American Eagle 360 Extreme Flex Black Denim Jacket

Never thought I could pull off a denim jacket, but this staple has single-handedly changed my fall-to-spring wardrobe. The material is sturdy but stretchy, allowing me to layer and still keep a trim silhouette in the cold, or hike the sleeves up when spring comes in with a slight breeze. Again, the color goes with everything, which gives me more freedom with the rest of my outfit. (Currently only available in medium wash denim.)

 

Hanz de Fuko “Quicksand” Hair Product

Hanz de Fuko “Quicksand” Hair Product

Easy hold, no shine, no fuss. Part styling wax and part dry shampoo, you can also use this on second-day hair to clean up oily spots, and nothing allows me to re-shape my hair over the course of a day quite like this. Even after a few hours in a thick wool beanie, it only takes a few seconds to get everything right back in place.

 

Anson Micro-Adjustable Belts

Anson Micro-Adjustable Belts

A bit spendy, but I can’t go back to “normal” holed belts after trying these. The micro-adjustable “teeth” allow you to dial in your fit down the 1/4″ rather than the usual 1”. Throw in the ability to mix-and-match buckles and straps, and you’ve got a game changer.

 

Thrifted (and Re-buttoned) Royal Blue Blazer

Thrifted (and Re-buttoned) Royal Blue Blazer

I lucked into this blazer some 5 years ago, when apparently someone with my exact dimensions gave it away. Due to its near-perfect fit, I didn’t have to tailor it even a millimeter! The shiny gold sailor buttons weren’t jiving with how casually I wanted to wear it though, so I swapped them out. It was insanely easy (thanks, Art of Manliness!), and after pulling the perfect replacement buttons off a $4 “donor” Goodwill jacket, this is now easily my favorite blazer. I can dress it up or down, and even pair it with closely-colored H&M slacks to make a laid-back spring “suit”, like I did this year on Easter Sunday.

 

BONUS: Becoming A Dad

I definitely hemmed and hawed over this inclusion on this list for a while, trying to narrow down the perfect 5 things, when I realized, “things” are just that. Welcoming Russell here into the world a few short weeks ago truly put “things” into perspective for me. He gives me a reason to be a better man each day, and helps me not worry about “stuff” so much.

 

Honorable Mentions:

#HM1 – Target basics. I’d be remiss if I didn’t give these a shout, since on any given day, my outfit is probably at least half stuff from Target. Mossimo, Merona, and Goodfellow make up the majority of my basic tees, chinos, and sweaters.

#HM2 – Pixel 2 XL smartphone. The camera is outstanding (every pic here was snapped with it), and has helped me capture so many awesome moments, and streamline my day.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Grooming, Shoes Tagged With: 5 favorites

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More

40% off at Old Navy. A favorite English Chukka is on sale. Timex Standard line is 25% off.

Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s

Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s

Authorized retailer. Models you don’t normally see on sale.

Seiko 5 Sports Divers, Target’s Spring Home Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Seiko 5 Sports Divers, Target’s Spring Home Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

WP Standard’s Spring Sale is underway.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Seiko 5 Sports Divers, Target’s Spring Home Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Cheap Sunglasses, Affordable Tech Pants, & More
  • Style Scenario: Sleek Athleisure (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Steal Alert: 25% off select Hamilton, Seiko, and Timex watches at Macy’s
  • Most Wanted Affordable Style – March 2023
  • Steal The Style: Danny Ocean’s Tieless Suit Look in Ocean’s 11, 12, 13

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.