Corduroy suits are as practical for the weekend as they are for the office.
Following up on “Part I: Dressed-Up“, here are the same three corduroy suits, dressed-down.
1. Simple. Suit, Sweater, Sneakers.
With the back and forth weather of NYC, every once in a while we get a warm sunny day in the middle of February.
One of my go-to “casual” looks for late winter/early spring: heavy suit + textured knit + classy sneakers.
The keys to a sharp casual look are simplicity, fit, color and texture.
And don’t forget the accessories. A simple look benefits from finishing touches like subtle, minimal jewelry.
These are one of the few pairs of sneakers I own that are beautfiully crafted. The suede and patent leather are top quality, and the design is simple and smart. They have the comfort and casual nature of a sneaker, with a hint of elegance and maturity.
They actually look and feel more like a pair of benchmade lace-ups than a typical pair of factory-made runners.
- Gold Plated hand-engraved shades by Matsuda
- Khaki corduroy suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke
- Brown/Burgundy/Olive knit sweater by Zara
- Brown bandana as pocket square
- Necklaces from NYC Street Artist
- Watch by Brera Orologi
- Brass spike cuff by Giles & Brothers
- Slim brown leather belt Vintage
- Brown suede captoe sneakers by Lanvin
39 Comments Add a comment
Hey Dan,
Big fan of the site and the first look here (unlike most of the other people who commented on that outfit–haha).
About the third look: I can’t quite tell from the photos or description how you’re mixing black and brown here. It looks like the boots (or the laces, at least) are brown and all the other leathers (gloves, watch, and jacket buttons) are black. Am I getting that right?
Thanks.
Really dig look number 3, that looks very practical, warm and well put together.
Your watch is always visible. Mine never, although I follow the rule saying your sleeve should reach the base of your thumb when standing straight. :(
I’ve always done the bandanna as handkerchief thing, but most bandannas are huge, do you cut them into fourths or trim down? If so, do you need to sew up the edges? Great post.
I have never considered a turtleneck (despite all the props they get on here) before seeing the popped collar underneath. I don’t know why it makes such a big diff, but it does.
The blazer in the 3rd look is excellent! I am definitely going to keep an eye out for a grey cord jacket now.
Look 3 is great while walking around NYC. Love the mix of “nice” clothes with simple fashion.
Look two is sharp as f*ck! The beard’s looking good too.
Side note: two necklaces, two bracelets, and a gold watch = minimal jewelry? Oh menswear…
Thanks Daniel. Only one bracelet here, but I was referring more to the simplicity of the pieces.
Very, very, nice – both parts I&II. Love look #2 here.
For anyone questioning the popped collar underneath, its very subtle and you can pull the same look sans collared shirt. The #1 piece of advice given on this site is to turn looks into your own.
Great work as always.
Amen
The second look is one of the best I’ve seen in a while – exeptional. And where did you find that fine, old Volvo which appears to have been imported from Finland?!
I hate the suit-with-sneakers look. Absolutely terrible.
Japanese Excellence: Iconic Matsuda shades. Lanvin trainers are truly the most sophisticated and classic. Clean post. #Tsbmen #Timeless
I think looks two and three are perfect. I also love the suit in look one. However, the sweater in look one-with the lower collar and symmetrical sloping pattern on the top-gives an unflattering illusion of gynecomastia (a.k.a. man boobs). Notice I said illusion.
I was thinking that too – Love the outfit, but I’d look seriously in need of a mansierre in that sweater.
Dan, looks 2 and three are phenomenal, great looks my friend! I now know why you emphasize versatility, it’s hard to believe you can make a suit look so casual and natural!
I like look 2, but agree that the popped shirt underneath seems superfluous, and look 3, although the cord’s vertical ribbing and the horizontal striping took a little getting used to.
I agree with the previous commentators who did not like look 1. I think a solid v-neck under a jacket/pants combo looks fine, but a patterned v-neck with a suit seemed to clash a bit to much for me. But as you always say, to each one’s own. I’m sure you own that look, even more in person.
Well…….
Hate to say it but I hate look #1. I don’t like sneaker with any kind of suite. Don’t like the knit sweater and I think you have too much bling on your watch hand. (sorry)
Love everything about look #2.
I like most of look #3 but your channeling your inner pirate. Aarrghh… ( love the boots though).
Those Lanvin shoes are just plain awesome. They are very classy for a pair of sneakers. Aside from that, great post. All three looks were very nice.
F-ing LOVE this site!!
Very Nice! Do you think look no2 could work with a velvet blazer or is it too much?
One of the best post so far. Not so sure about the popped collar under the turtleneck, though. Seen a lot of guys doin it latley, but it looks weird in my opnion.
Anyways, three solid looks. Thumps up.
I’m seriously considering a grey corduroy suit instead of the grey tweed I had in mind. I blame you for that!
Don’t love the use of the word ‘bipolar’ in look one. (bit of a sensitive issue). Everything looks great though.
Thanks for pointing that out!
dan, i really like the use of the saint james cotton top in the winter as it adds a certain something unexpected.
when you wear a look like 1 or 2, do you opt to leave the jacket on at all times? i guess im not sure how it would look with a tucked-in sweater sans jacket. your thoughts?
Dan,
Killing it as always. Love that DB corduroy suit. Thanks again for your time at the studio. It was a true pleasure. Readers, the TSB team has a vision for the site that will change the game! Continue to support and learn from Dan and the crew! I know I will!
Respect
Word!
Thanks Carter, for the nice comment and your continued support. It was great meeting you the other day, always inspiring to meet our readers. All the best to you and Colleen!
Love looks 2 and 3! Very sharp! Never been a fan of the knit in look 1 but I guess that you feel confident in it and that’s the key to success!
Well said Shawn.
Looks 2 and 3 are amazing, don’t love the collar under the turtleneck, but to each his own. That peaked DB jacket has style for days!! Corduroy suits look so sharp, understated, and sophisticated.
How far into spring is acceptable for a cord jacket? Whenever it’s too hot to wear I guess? Or is corduroy a no go in the spring time?
Thx Brady. Generally, I’d say dress for the thermometer, not the calendar – especially with the unpredictable weather this time of year.
Did you wash that car before you sat on it with white jeans? Cars are DIRTY. Sitting on them is a better idea than a practice.
haha I probably dusted it off before sitting…but it’s not that serious.
volvo 244!
What’s the rule about tucking sweaters in?
Always, sometimes, never?
Depends on the sweater, and the waistline. A thin/fitted sweater, on a thin/fit guy looks very sharp tucked.
I’d say it’s a case by case scenario.