Category Archives: Outfits
GQ’s 10 Essentials Archive
Nick Wooster, Men's Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman
Every guy has a few things he can’t do without. Here are the top 10 according to some of the world’s most influential men.
Ladies, this could be interesting for you as well…the gentlemen in our lives are sometimes really hard to shop for. I’m willing to bet that somewhere in this diverse archive you’ll probably find a guy that shares a few things in common with the men in your life.
Ten Essentials: The Complete Archive by GQ.
Cinematically Inspired: Titanic
With the reemergence of Titanic in theaters this month, it might be fun to channel some of its Academy Award-winning cinematic style. Of course, you don’t want to look like you stepped off the movie set, so keep everything current by selecting pieces that use some of the same lines, colors, and fabrics worn by your favorite passenger.
For a Rose-inspired look
Choose a solid-colored top/dress in a nautical color with an empire waistline and feminine details
Make sure all of your pieces fit really well (all of Rose’s outfits were tailored to perfection)
Add some nautical details such as a striped scarf or tote to complete the look
For a Jack-inspired look
Start with a pair of dark, worn in jeans or trousers
Choose a white shirt, and add a comfortable, dark-colored jacket
Finish the look with some great utilitarian boots in a complimentary shade and skip the hair products
Click here for where-to-buy info
Feeling spontaneous?
Feeling spontaneous? How about spending a weekend in the city? The weather is warming up and what an awesome way to celebrate all of your hard work over the past few months than with an amazing mini-vacation with great company.
Whether you’ll be getting away with your special someone or your best friend, here are a few tips to help you pack the essential clothing and accessories to look effortlessly stylish during your trip!
Don’t forget to take pictures!
Clothing
Women
- Your favorite pair of jeans/most flattering fit pants
- A trench coat, or wool coat (depending on the weather)
- Two fitted knit tops in a complimentary tones, neutrals are best
- A beautiful cocktail dress in a wrinkle-resistant, stretch fabric
Men
- Two pairs of pants, dark rinse jeans and one dressier option
- A comfortable jacket (depending on the weather)
- Two shirts, one to worn with jeans the other with trousers
- A dark colored blazer for evening
Accessories
Women
- A roomy weekender tote and a cross-body bag
- Comfortable, yet stylish shoes. Check the weather before you leave, but I always love wearing low-heeled, worn-in boots.
- A pair of heels for evening
- Elegant jewelry that can be worn day to night, plus a statement piece
- Sunglasses
- A large, warm scarf that can double as your evening cover-up if the weather is warmer
Men
- A sturdy duffel bag and backpack or messenger bag
- Walking shoes, preferably not your gym shoes
- Dress shoes
- Day to evening watch
- Sunglasses
- Hat/Scarf depending on the weather
Wind & Water
Do you love wind and water? Why not let your wardrobe become inspired by the feeling of riding the waves on your favorite vessel? Here are some quick wardrobe updates that will keep you “on board” all season long.
Women:
Cuff those straight-leg jeans, and slip into some fabulous flat sandals or wedges
Wear your breezy wide-leg pants with a cozy knit sweater
Trade your dark workbag for a similarly structured one in a Sea-foam shade
Swap your neutral raincoat for one in a bright color, like Kelly Green
Look for some oversized plastic frames and you’ll be ready for St. Tropez
Men:
Roll up the long sleeves on a chambray button-down and layer over a white tee
Add a bright solid scarf to a gray v-neck sweater
Swap your old sneakers for some colorful boat shoes
Keep an eye out for some sea-faring accessories like a rope bracelet, nautical watch, or classic aviators
Inspired by NYC and Jane by Design
Jane By Design Images, ABC Family
Having just returned home from an incredible visit to New York City and feeling a little nostalgic, I sat down to watch one of my favorite shows, Jane By Design, and decided to create a new outfit inspired by its very stylish main character, Jane Quimby. In a case of mistaken identity, Jane is a high school student that lands her dream job in the fashion industry and decides to pursue a whirlwind double life trying to balance school, her social life and pursuing the career she has always fantasized about. Jane creates her own signature look by combining her favorite pieces with some she customizes (using her handy sewing machine). The result is a very original, youthful look that always seem to look exciting, yet impeccably put-together.
Want to channel Jane’s style? Here are some ideas:
1. Update a skirt by pairing it with opaque tights and sleek platform heels.
2. Choose a funky cocktail ring and wear it during the day (Jane loves her jeweled Octopus ring).
3. Add a wide colorful belt or statement necklace to your neutral cardigan or do both!
4. Wear a cocktail dress during the day with a cardigan over it and a fun belt.
Hope you are already getting great ideas on how evolve your own style with a little help from Jane. Do you have a TV character that you’re inspired by? Tell us about them at: mysignetstyle@gmail.com; we’d love to hear about how they have influenced your signature look. =)
Signature Style at Home
Extend your signature style past what you wear and let it echo throughout your home and lifestyle. Here are two Italian families that are doing just that.
The Coppola Family and The Cucinelli Family
Coppola Residence
Coppola Residence
Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola
Cucinelli Spring Collection
Cucinelli Residence
Cucinelli Residence
Cucinelli Family
Investing in Wardrobe Essentials
Examples of Wardrobe Essentials for Women
Matching Suit (Black, Grey, Navy)
Leather/Motorcycle Jacket
Tank Tops (to wear alone or under a blouse, in neutral colors)
Cotton T-shirts with a Good Fit
White Button-down Blouses
Fine Cashmere/Tropical Wool Sweater (crewneck & cardigan)
Black Cocktail Dress
Pencil Skirt/A-line Skirt (depending on figure)
Jeans in a Dark Rinse (try a boot-cut style)
Black Pants (flattering fit, in an all-weather fabric)
Casual Pants (khaki or cargo)
Shorts (in black or khaki)
Casual Jacket
Cashmere Wrap
Ballerinas/Simple Flat Shoes (try a neutral color)
Classic Black Pumps
Flat Boots (black or brown)
Evening Shoes (in your favorite metallic shade)
Water-proof Jacket
Examples of Wardrobe Essentials for Men
Matching Suit, in Grey or Navy (a black suit should only be worn in the evening)
Sports Jacket/Blazer
Leather/Motorcycle Jacket
Fine Cashmere/Tropical Wool Sweater
Formal Button-Down Shirts in White/Neutral Colors
Casual Shirts, Button Down with a Collar in Complimentary Colors
Polo Shirt (in white or complimentary bright colors)
Jeans in a Dark Rinse
Khaki, Dark Olive or Grey Casual Pants
Shorts (in black or khaki)
Cotton T-shirts with a Good Fit
Dress Belt/Casual Belt (brown and black)
Dress Shoes (brown and black)
Casual Shoes (something other than gym shoes)
Sunglasses (complimentary to your face shape)
Watch (look for something classic)
Scarf/Winter Coat (choose a neutral color)
Water-proof Jacket
Regardless of your personal style, everyone should consider the following three things when purchasing wardrobe essentials:
1. Fit & Fabric
Fit is extremely important. A good sign of a quality garment is one that fits well. When selecting wardrobe basics, opt for a flattering cut and a tailored look.
Choosing natural over synthetic fibers (like: cotton, linen, wool, cashmere) is always a smart choice; they will breathe better, last longer and hold their shape. Designer labels are not always synonymous with quality; the best way to be sure you are purchasing a long-lasting garment, is to look at the fabric tag and check what the item is made of. While some designers hold true to a consistent standard of quality, it is always a good idea to take a quick look before you buy.
2. Cost Per Wear
Cost Per Wear is a simple formula that can be applied when deciding whether to make wardrobe investment.
Simply divide the cost of the garment by the number of times you think you’ll wear it before it’s time to retire it. Use previous purchases to help you estimate if necessary. Here is an example:
Fine cashmere sweater: $120.00
Worn an average of twice a month for 6 years (approx. 156 times)
$120.00/144 = $.83 per wear
Acrylic sweater: $40.00
Worn an average of once a month a for 1 year (approx. 12 times)
$40.00/12 = $3.34 per wear
In the long run, not only is the cashmere sweater a better financial decision; but you will also enjoy wearing it a lot more.
3. Timeless Style & “Neutral” Colors
Your wardrobe essentials should follow a timeless, classic style and coordinate effortlessly. To select your most flattering neutral colors, choose shades that compliment your hair, skin, eyes, and blush tone. No matter what’s trendy, wearing colors that echo and accentuate your natural coloring will always look best.
Test your styling skills
Check out InStyle’s Instant Stylist game.
This is a great matching game that will help you practice selecting the best accessories for your new Winter/Spring outfits! From my experience, managing proportion and balance is the key to getting the perfect look. Plus, after you play you can shop for your favorite pieces. Enjoy!
Signet Style 