The other day a friend of mine was headed out for drinks with his buddy. He tried on a couple of outfit options, and settled on a Hugo Boss black button down, crisp blue jeans, and grey Chuck Taylors. Minutes later his friend arrived wearing the exact same thing. Have American men become so lazy that dark jeans, black or brown leather loafers, and a moderately patterned button up is as good as it gets? Guys its time to step it up a notch and break out of this monotonous collection of unimaginative ensembles. As a stylist I understand the importance of ease in menswear, but it has gotten to a point where this effortless three-piece wardrobe has become to look like a dull uniform. Draw some inspiration from European men. Trade in boring denim for colorful slacks. Integrate textural accessories and blazers. Break free from black and brown shoes, instead opt for a printed or neon accented oxford. The days of a button up and jeans are so “I’ll have a Redbull vodka.” Guys we’ve moved on, and it’s time you did too.
