The current economic condition isn’t stopping people from shopping but it is creating “smarter” shoppers. Smart shoppers do one or all of these things: 1) purchase timeless pieces — looks that will last more than a few seasons, 2) shop deals, especially when purchasing trendier pieces, and 3) shop with cash! I can’t address your cash vs. credit issue but I will cover items 1 and 2 – timeless vs. trendy.
As I look at both categories and my wardrobe, I have a few trendy looks but I try to purchase as many timeless pieces as possible. For me, it just makes more sense. I have highlighted four staples this week that you could purchase in a timeless or trendy version — outerwear, footwear, shirts, and jeans. You decide what makes sense for you.
Outerwear
For overcoats I always suggest a simple dark colored garment. The one piece that I am most proud of is my favorite winter peacoat. It is a simple navy blue double-breasted peacoat with high lapels. I wear it almost daily and continue to get compliments on it. I bought it from Banana Republic on clearance some eight years ago. I think this is the ultimate example of a truly timeless piece. If there is one thing to remember it is that your outerwear is not the place for you to be flashy or to take too many chances. It is one of the most expensive pieces you will buy and it also will be something that you will wear most often. With both of these factors being considered I have highlighted the charcoal double-breasted peacoat as the timeless look and the camel-colored high-lapel moleskin topcoat as the trendy look. Before you decide to go trendy vs. timeless on the coat, consider the investment. If you can get it at a good deal, go for it but would you want to spend the same amount on one item you can only wear for one year versus one you can wear for eight?
Footwear
Shoes are near and dear to my heart. I used to pride myself on having literally 20 pairs of black shoes. Now I understand that it’s not the quantity but the quality of the shoes you have. Black lace-ups are always a safe bet but they can be trendy as well as timeless. The trendy look is an attractive shoe but because of the stretched front and four eyelets it looks very casual and you would primarily wear this with jeans. The timeless look is your basic black oxford lace up. The beauty of this shoe is that you can wear this with jeans but you can also wear it with shirts and slacks. With shoes you want to consider the number of outfits you can wear with them. If I had to choose one over the other I would again choose the timeless lace up oxford. And, of course Mens Timberland boots from Street101.co.uk fit in both the trendy and timeless categories.
Shirts
Regarding shirts, I think that most guys would say that it doesn’t matter what type of shirt they buy. I think that everything you buy should and does matter. Guys own more shirts than any other wardrobe item. Shirts offer wardrobe variety and are an easy way to add in a trend but you can still make smart timeless choices with your shirts too. This season’s trendy look is the much-seen military shirt — two pockets and shoulder epaulets make for a “hot” but I feel temporarily stylish look. I have fought the urge to buy more than “just one” of these shirts. I have seen numerous guys wearing them and they are one of the must haves of the season. But instead of stocking up on a variety of military shirts, I instead have solidified my button-down collection with additional shirts. You may say that the timeless look of the button-down shirt is boring but I refer to it as a staple for guys. Boredom in style or color for this classic shirt can easily be remedied by a print or striped tie. You can go for it with either the shirt or the tie but not both. The great thing that a lot of shirtmakers are doing now is actually shortening the length of the shirt’s hem. Some are going the extra mile and actually cutting the hem so that it is straight across. This allows for the shirt to be worn out. This minor feature allows this to be a corporate or casual look. Versatility is usually a bi-product of a timeless look.
Jeans
Finally I felt the need to address jeans. I have done my fair share of trendy look jeans — destroyed and dirty-wash denim. What I found is that after awhile these end up being pushed towards the back of my closet. So those styles have since been replaced by the more timeless look of dark washed, slim fit jeans. I can assure you that the dark washed choice will spend many years in the front of your closet and will be worn with blazers as well as your favorite vintage t-shirt from Six Whiting Street’s Franklin and Marshall collection.
As I say it’s less about what you wear and more about how you wear it. The timeless choices can not only be worn for many years but their versatility will assure that you get the most value for your dollar.
Fashionably Yours,
Mason
