I’m generally a strong supporter of classic men’s style. A “well dressed man”, in my opinion, has a certain timelessness to his look that is not trend-specific.
With that said, however, strict trend-free style can be boring and predictable.
Subtly incorporating a fashion direction can keep your look fresh and gives you an opportunity to express your point of view by putting your own spin on a popular theme.
The key is applying trends occasionally, in small doses, and tweaking them within your own aesthetic.
Native American inspired prints are currently trending. Here’s three ways to pull-it-off.
1. Statement Overshirt
A heavy shirt is the perfect layer for early Fall days, when it’s still too warm for jackets.
Let the bold pattern of the shirt stand alone by pairing it with solid neutral items – like the grey henley, white jeans and natural suede boots.
Yes, you can wear white jeans after labor day. Just avoid wearing them with bright pastel color.
Slowly breaking out the boot game, starting with the light chukkas first…
- Gold Plated hand-engraved shades by Matsuda
- Vintage navajo print shirt by Ralph Lauren
- Grey henley by Rag&Bone
- Watch by Montblanc Timewalker Automatic (42mm)
- Khaki grosgrain watchstrap from cheapestnatostraps.com
- White denim jeans by Helmut Lang
- Suede chukka boots by Scarpe di Bianco
29 Comments Add a comment
Lol, that beard reminds me few years back. But you will face a scary moment for you – you will shave it. Even if you love it – trust me – seasonal beard grower said it.
Itchy phaze ended?
Love the new website. Love the beard. Keep it.
Who makes those sunglasses and what is the model? Thanks!
Dan, love your work but you gotta loose the beard man! It is kinda freaky!
Again, love your work….
I love the necklace. Cool!
I really like the last look, but imagine replacing the suede loafers with suede (or roughout) cowboy boots (not with pants tucked in). Would really complete the “southwest” look I think. Also, love the web redesign, it’s a lot of fun. Best wishes.
Interesting piece. Broadly I agree – style is timeless, but trends are to be noticed and played with; it’s a sort of dialogue. For me, I am always thinking about what is still going to look good when the trend has been and gone. I’m loving all the yellow at the moment, for example.
One problem with the ‘Navajo print’ stuff is that it feels like ‘statement piece’ is the only way to really wear it and it also doesn’t feel very winter appropriate (and we’ve moved into mid-Autumn pretty quickly in the UK this year).
There’s also this mild ‘cultural appropriation’ vibe to it, which isn’t a deal-breaker per se but does count against it I feel. A lot of Native Americans are ambivalent or worse towards this sort of thing. Trends are fun, but I’m not sure embracing this trend *because it’s a trend* is the best dialogue. The dialogue of fashion does take place in a wider social context.
This is not a criticism of the post or the looks, just a reaction to it. Thanks for writing!
Well said. There is certainly a wider social context to a trend, especially in this case where it’s directly connected to a specific cultural group.
I’m sure we could discuss this in long form…but this is not meant as a place for studies in cultural representation or cross-group symbology.
The most important thing is that we don’t take it (fashion or style in general) too seriously and learn to have fun with it.
Cheers,
Dan
Thanks for your reply, I agree that it’s very important to have fun with style – and if you love it, wear it.
Next week, I offer a deconstruction of the skinny tie ;-)
This is probably the only thing I’ve seen you publish that repulses me. Of course, no doubt you’re just ahead of the curve on me with this one, and in a month I’ll probably be on board. But for now it’s a big NO WAY.
Haha. Such strong language Gary. Give it some time :)
Thx for reading,
Dan
Glad to see i’m not the only one that keep wearing some summer stuff in September…and boat shoes. ;-) Looking good!
I do like this print.
I would wear it also in a bottom part- maybe chinos.
Thanks for inspiring!
:D
well, very smart dan..
Hey Dan you just like Ben Roethlisberger.
Keep it up!
Badass!
Damn Dan!
Beard is really starting to grow! How much longer do you intend to let it be?
Love the lack look!
Sorry, I meant last, not lack, obviously!
Awesome! Keep up the good work!
Damn you Style Blogger :) Since I started reading your blog I’ve been spending more than I earn on clothes! With each new post I read, I’m inspired to buy even more. Looks like a pair of desert boots and Henley will have to be added to the list.
Hey man, I feel your pain.
Check out these two posts from awhile back. Being a college student on a limited budget makes for only limited choices in what to buy. I am focusing on getting one or two good pieces a season and working from there.
And, incidentally, a pair of desert boots and a henley are on the post!
http://tsbmen.com/6494/re-invent-your-wardrobe-with-25-essential-items/
http://tsbmen.com/6719/how-to-build-a-menswear-wardrobe-continued-the-next-10-essentials/
Have Fun!
Jon
P.S. Dan, I think you should do another one of these type posts, maybe fall or winter season inspired?
Dan, my bro! I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted; however, I have been checking out your blog regularly for updated posts.
Quick question about the new format…have you guys gotten rid of SBDaily? I was enjoying the higher frequency of posts in that section…they were successful in holding me over until the next major post..ha
Congrats on your success, and I am looking forward to watching as the you, the SB team, and the blog continue to evolve!
Stay Fresh,
F2D
Hey brother. We’re transitioning SD Daily to our BLOG. Click BLOG in the main navigation bar!
Thanks for the support.
Loving the beard Dan.
Thx Aaron!
Your posts (in their entirety) don’t show up in my RSS reader (Google Reader)!
Thx for the feedback. Just put it on our list.
With regards to your last point in your post above, boat-inspired shoes with more rugged soles I can perhaps see with socks but if I see classic Sperry Topsiders and socks…..just NO.
I bet I can change your mind :)
Thx for reading