What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. This Valentine’s day, skip the fuss, (too) close quarters, and stay in for a nice dinner at home. Order in or cook a fun favorite together.  But, being a date night – get dressed up! Maybe a full suit isn’t the right look for you and your relationship’s vibe, but it’s worth putting extra effort to set the night apart from the norm. This outfit is simple, effortless, and handsome in that “we’re at home but we’re not mailing it in” kinda way. 

The Sweater: Bonobos Donegal Wool Shawl Collar Cardigan – $59 FINAL ($139). Throwing a shawl collar cardigan sweater on top of a button down shirt is a nice dress down from a blazer, but still makes a statement. A classic ribbed knit and flecked donegal wool fabric provides early evening pop, and you can take it off and roll up the sleeves to get cooking. Not down with final sale? Understood. Try the LL Bean alternative for $99.

The Pants: Bonobos Washed Chino 2.0 in Prussian – $59 ($99). Going for a bit of a sleek monochrome look, even if it’s framed in a cozier shawl collar and chinos setup. Not the same as the original washed chino. See the review comparison here. Also part of the big Bonobos winter sale, but not final sale. So these can go back if you don’t like them.

The Watch: Tissot Visodate White Dial/Brown Strap – $650. Not a budget automatic, yet the Tissot Visodate is a definitive “Value” timepiece. A Swiss automatic with sapphire crystal and a stainless steel case, with a day/date function and a clean, timeless design on a dressy light dial. Sometimes, simplicity is key to great design and this watch from Tissot is a perfect example. The more affordable option: Try Orient’s small seconds automatic. Still classy, and that small seconds dial is a nice, simple touch.

The Shirt: Charles Tyrwhitt Non-Iron Twill Grid Check Shirt – $99 or 4 for $200. Expensive when you buy one, but a solid deal at $50/shirt when you buy four shirts total, of any color or pattern combo. Charles Tyrwhitt offers a LOT of fit and size combinations, giving you an outside shot at finding a great fitting shirt off the rack. CT shirts offer great quality fabrics, stitching, and overall construction – with metal collar stays included! A nice subtle check pattern provides a class dash of style.

The Belt: Banana Republic Italian Leather Belt in Cognac – $60. BR does basics well for a fair price (just wish they’d bring back a sale or code every so often). With soft Italian leather and a silver buckle, this is nicer than your average leather belt but still a strong everyday belt option that can pull double duty for this date night.

The Socks: Bombas Merino Wool Calf Sock in Navy’ $19. Wool is your best friend on a date night, especially in a scenario where you might kick off your boots and need your feet to be fresh when you do. It’s a nice stylistic and formal touch to start with shoes, but as you get more comfortable, feel free to take them off if the vibe is right. You’re inside, after all.

The Shoes: Grant Stone Cap Toe Boot in Crimson Chromexcel – $360. Shoes inside my be odd to some households, but it’s yet another easy way to set the mood of the night as a true date night, versus just another night – especially if you live together. Boots, because it’s winter; but cap toe, because it’s a date night. Grant Stone punches well above their weight class compared to the competition at the price range, making truly investment worthy shoes and boots befitting both date nights and daily wear. The more affordable option: Give these downright cheap chelseas from DSW a shot.

The Drink: The Dark & Stormy: Fever Tree Light Ginger Beer ($6ish) and Gosling’s Black Seal Rum ($25ish). Either before or while dinner is cooking, whip up a couple drinks together to keep the co-hosting going strong. A winter favorite, the dark & stormy is a spicy drink for a potentially spicy evening. Get high quality ginger beer and spiced rum for this one – with minimal ingredients, the quality of the two you use matters a lot. Gosling’s Black Seal Rum is the legally official spiced rum to make this drink -they have “Dark ‘N’ Stormy” trademarked. For an alternative take, try a rum off a higher shelf that doubles as a great sipping rum – Mount Gay’s Black Barrel Rum.

About the Author: Jason P. spends his days working in the creative marketing department of a big telecom company. He also does a bit of real estate investing on the side. He believes in curating a timeless, classic wardrobe with subtle modern touches for today. He and his wife love hiking with their dog and shopping at local small businesses and antique stores when they travel. Jason is a practitioner of muay thai and traditional boxing, and his favorite drink is a hoppy New England IPA.

Amazon Goodthreads for Men Fall/Winter 2021

Note: It has not been a good week for Amazon, as their latest failure to look after their employees has come to light. Dappered is a style blog, but to ignore that NYT article wouldn’t feel right. Thanks to Brandon D. for the tip. Now, on with Jason’s review of the new Goodthreads line.

The Bezos-backed brand has continued to put out new seasonal collections every Fall and Spring, and with this year’s Fall/Winter collection coming in the midst of a supply chain nightmare, I was curious if there were any manufacturing or quality control issues, as well as what styles the Goodthreads brand was leaning into. Has Goodthreads improved on last year’s Fall / Winter collection? Or has the global supply chain mish-mash negatively impacted the product line? Let’s find out.

For a fit perspective, I (the Jason guy) am 5’7″ / 185lbs. Sizes vary for each piece, both for the tops and bottoms, and are noted with each piece.

Goodthreads Long-Sleeve Indigo Raglan T-Shirt – $21

Starting the review off with a foundational item of any fall wardrobe, the long sleeve tee. The shirt is quite comfortable, and has a hint of stretch for added movement. Raglan sleeves typically offer gents with larger shoulders/backs/chests more comfort because of the stitch placement and overall construction, and this is no different. The tight stripes provide a visual punch and add style to an otherwise basic long sleeve tee. It looks great and fits fairly well. But…it smells terrible. I was sent two sizes to try on, in two separate packages, and both have a sort of chemical smell that I didn’t find with any other piece in this collection. It smells like some sort of adhesive that I can’t quite pin down with my nose. Perhaps the smell comes from wherever Bezos stored this shirt in the warehouse, but I would wash this one separately before wearing or storing with your other items. You don’t want the stench migrating to any of your other clothing. It’s really quite a turn off to an otherwise good shirt. Size shown is a large.

Goodthreads Straight-Fit Bedford Cord Pant – $30ish

First, a note on the fit. We had intended to review the slim fit option, but upon arrival, these #ThunderThighs could not fit into the pants without showing off a little too much. If you know what I mean. In my typical size 33″ x 28″, the slim-fits fit like a true skinny-fit pant. Those should be reserved for gents who are not familiar with “leg day” of any sort.

The Straight Fit (shown above) are a 5 pocket thin-wale cord pant in a 98% cotton, 2% elastane blend for added stretch. The difference in leg opening between these and the slim fit are a substantial 2″. Straight fits get a 16″ opening and the slims get 14.” If you have spent any time in a gym, the straight fits are for you. The same 33 x 28 size here fit comfortably. The fabric is smooth to the touch, and the pant moves with you with ease. Now if you’re looking for a traditional cord with visual depth and plush texture, these aren’t those. This interpretation of a the style leans heavily toward a traveler pant, with the wale being nearly invisible unless looking at the fabric mere inches away. That said, it is no doubt a very comfortable pair of pants, and continues to show that Goodthreads does well when focusing on foundational pieces at value prices. Available in 8 colors. It’s just a shame about the larger ankle opening. Again, size here is 33×28 in the straight fit.

Goodthreads Slim-Fit Brushed Flannel Shirt – $30

This is a really good L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid flannel alternative. Built in 100% cotton, this has all the trademarks of a classic, heritage flannel in a blackwatch tartan pattern. As someone who owns quite a few of the L.L. Bean flannels, I get the impression that Goodthreads used the Maine brand’s shirt as a benchmark. They got close, but not quite. The cotton used here is not anywhere near as nice – it’s thinner, stiffer, and missing half the softness of the Bean flannel’s cotton. That, and the Bean shirt has buttoned down collars to keep you looking sharp while you’re in the woods, at a cafe, or hosting some folks for dinner. Of course, the value proposition with GT is a good-enough flannel at a value price, and this does undercut the Bean shirt by $20, and those are rarely – if ever – on sale. If you can spare the extra $20, get the L.L Bean flannel. If you’re on a tight budget, you will be happy with the shirt. You are getting exactly what you should be from Goodthreads for a $30 flannel. Nothing to be upset about here! Size shown is a large, and despite being a slim fit, still has enough room for comfort without looking too big.

Goodthreads Lightweight Wool/Acrylic Full-Zip Hoodie – $48

50% Merino Wool, 50% Acrylic, 100% lightweight coziness. This is an ideal layering piece for a slightly brisk morning or evening walk in the fall, or fireside with a drink and some friends. Light, breathable merino wool provides a touch of warmth and softness, while the acrylic fabric adds structure. If you have spent the last 2 years in hoodie and adidas Tiro pants, consider tossing on the bedford cord pants and this hoodie for a sharper looking take on an uber-casual outfit. This will offer a LOT more variety on the shoes you can wear, too. For example, chukka boots don’t look right with athleisure, but they look damn nice here. A hoodie will never be the sharpest casual layer you can wear – quite contrary, it is usually the dullest – but for those who are devotees of the mental coziness of a hoodie, get this. You won’t regret the upgrade. Shown here in a size Medium.

Goodthreads Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater – $35

An absolute basic, as far as Merino crewnecks go. 100% Merino Wool, and an improvement on past years’ efforts of the same fabric. Lightweight, breathable, comfortable. GT added a nice athletic-inspired triangle detail at the neck, but otherwise this is a standard fare sweater. The wool is nothing to write home about, but overall it fills a similar position in the wardrobe as, say, the oft-referenced Banana Republic Italian Merino Crewneck. But, that’s where this Goodthreads sweater falls down a bit. BR’s Italian merino crewneck are built with a superior wool and a raglan sleeve construction. Yes, BR’s basic wool crews are far more expensive at full price, but they’re often included in codes. And with Black Friday weekend + Cyber Monday around the corner, I’d suggest paying an extra few dollars for a better sweater at BR. That’s not to say this GT crewneck is a bad option – it’s quite good. But, the competition is much, much better and can be had for about only $10 more during promo periods.

Goodthreads Men’s Slim Fit Belted Elastic Waist Pant – $33

***WORST IN SHOW*** (sorry, not sorry)

Why do these exist? I want to light them on fire. Not while I’m wearing them, of course. But, it is not hyperbole to say these are the worst pair of bottoms I have tested in the three years I’ve been doing these seasonal roundups from Goodthreads. As a lounge pant, they are too thick on account of the chino-like cotton. As a casual pant, they could work fine depending upon whether or not your belt line is hidden. From the crotch up, these are a disaster. The fit creates bounties of excess fabric, causing the dreaded pocket ballooning with any movement. The waistline is elastic – a standard inclusion for a lounge pant – but utilized with ill effect. These are LOOSE, and elastic does very little to keep the pants on. Ah but yes, there’s a belt! A bad one. On a pair of pants like these, hidden drawstrings like last year’s pair would have been FAR more appropriate, while providing more benefit to the elastic waistline itself. This nylon hook-and-loop camp/hike type belt looks completely out of place. If these were a hybrid indoor/outdoor activity pant, then it could play. On these pants, which are certainly not suited for that type of variety, it’s a miss. Put it all together, and you have a poor-fitting, ugly pair of pants with minimal utility. Compared to last year, these are a MAJOR step back for Goodthreads. Shown in a “Large” waist and 30″ L.

Goodthreads Supersoft Shawl Collar Cable Knit Pullover Sweater – $36

Admittedly, as a lover of shawl collar sweaters, this was going to be a tough one to beat, simply on the aesthetics. It thrills me to say the this sweater did not disappoint. A great cable knit pattern, with some alternate texture running down the sides of the sleeves, offers visual depth and texture. Just be warned that the fabric itself is fairly flat for a cable knit. While it looks like a hefty sweater, it really isn’t. It fits close, and the cotton construction is thinner than not just most wool cable knits – but it’s also thinner than most cotton cable knits. BUT. That’s not necessarily a knock on the sweater – far be it. The fit is excellent on my frame in a size medium, and the fabric is indeed “super soft.” Brushed merino wool might offer a more luxuriously soft feel, but this is superb comfort for a sub-$40 cotton sweater. If you didn’t know the price, you would assume this is far more expensive. Two things keep this from receiving the first place trophy. First, the aforementioned use of cotton versus wool. If GT can utilize merino or lambswool in other sweaters at the same price, why opt for cotton here? Wool is, by almost all accounts, a superior fabric to use on sweaters such as this. Second, the collar is wimpy. I would love to see Goodthreads add more structure and heft to the collar on the next go ’round. These two foibles, albeit quite minor, place this sweater in second place. Size shown is a medium.

Goodthreads Lambswool Crewneck Sweater – $36

***BEST IN SHOW*** AND ***BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK***

EDITOR’S NOTE: Son of a gun, and just like that, on the day this thing wins best in show (I know, I’m sure Jeff Bezos, somewhere, is thrilled)… they… might have eliminated it from the site? They have another 100% lambswool crew in the Goodthreads collection, but the above color is gone so we can’t be sure it’s the same? Raglan sleeves though. Could be the same. Sorry guys.

Because, this sweater is just THAT good. $36 for 100% lambswool with this level of build quality is a steal. This is the best bang for the buck AND best in show. No participation trophies are merited from the other items in the collection. If you buy one thing from this review, let it be this sweater. Raglan sleeve stitching is oh-so-perfect, as it lends itself to a sweater that offers both a generous amount of comfort and coziness in this lambswool fabric, while maintaining an athletic silhouette. The wool here is far superior to the other fabrics in the collection, relative to their categories of cotton, wool, etc. Woven in a tight gauge and a slightly “marled” or “heathered” color, this light-navy wool is soft on the skin and strikes the ideal balance between warmth and breathability. Quite frankly, this might be the single best garment that Goodthreads has ever made. In the very least, it is the best of any of our past GT roundups here on Dappered. Size shown is a medium.

Final Thoughts

I want Goodthreads to stop playing games with weird pants and focus on perfecting the fundamental pieces of a seasonal wardrobe. On one end of the spectrum, they’re producing an abysmal pair of “what are these?” pants… yet on the other end, they’ve made the best dang item they have ever sold (the lambswool crew). This year, Goodthreads Fall/Winter is more of a rollercoaster than last years, but the highs exceed those of the previous year and it feels as if wool items are the brand’s comfort zone. If they can sharpen up a few items through the winter, I have high hopes for what we might see next year.

About the Author: Jason P. spends his days working in the creative marketing department of a big telecom company. He also does a bit of real estate investing on the side. He believes in curating a timeless, classic wardrobe with subtle modern touches for today. He and his wife love hiking with their dog and shopping at local small businesses and antique stores when they travel. Jason is a practitioner of muay thai and traditional boxing, and his favorite drink is a hoppy New England IPA.

Got something from Goodthreads that should have made this fall round up? Send those tips into joe@dappered.com.

About the Author: Jason P. spends his days working in the creative marketing department of a big telecom company. He also does a bit of real estate investing on the side. He believes in curating a timeless, classic wardrobe with subtle modern touches for today. He and his wife love hiking with their dog and shopping at local small businesses and antique stores when they travel. Jason is a practitioner of muay thai and traditional boxing, and his favorite drink is a hoppy New England IPA.

Tis the season. And by now you’ve probably been walloped over the head by 82,000 gift guides. So what’s a few more? Head here for the 2020 archive. Today? This one’s for the rugged types. The guys who like to spend time outdoors, but also knows a thing or two when it comes to style. So pull on your (or his) tactleneck, and let’s get to it…

Goodfellow & Co. Moroccan Mint & Cedar Beard Balm – $7.99

A solid stocking stuffer, and something to make his beard smell less like… a stocking. While the hair on your face is different than the hair on top of your head, gently conditioning it every once in a while is a good idea. A little beard balm will help you/him avoid looking like your face has been covered in fur farmed from around a yeti’s private parts. Softens without greasing down. Smells good without being over powering. Cheap.

Kuhl Silencr Rogue pant – $85

Your outdoorsman deserves a good-looking functional pair of hiking pants. and these are a personal favorite. They don’t scream OUTDOORS!, but function as such while still looking nicely tapered and polished enough for running errands after your descent. Not the warmest pair of hiking pants, so save these for Spring/Summer/Fall.

FormFunctionForm Spoor Key Fob – $98

Lots of options in one fob. “Squirt” PS4 Leatherman multi tool. Maratac “split pea” lighter. Horween leather wraps it all up into one easy, attractive, portable little package. Great everyday carry items keep weight to a minimum, but functionality high. This is one of those splurge gifts – nobody needs this, but it makes the receiver’s life much easier. And couldn’t we all use a little more ease nowadays?

Made in the USA Flint & Tinder WOOL Lined Waxed Trucker – $298

They made one lined in wool? Excellent. The original, with its cotton flannel lining is plenty toasty too, but the wool lined option is a step above for those who live in particularly cold climates. Construction and quality are sublime, this will likely become the favorite jacket in your giftee’s (or your own…) closet.

Seiko SKX 007 – $350 or 009 Automatic – $300

Get ’em while you still can, because Seiko seems to be retiring the tried and true, tough, great looking, 007 and 009 SKX watches. Tough as nails. 200m water resistance. Dependable automatic movement. A true tool watch.

Ugg Olsen Slipper – $110

Absolutely love these things. I shall sing their praises until you all buy a pair. Can be hard to find around this time of year (it is slipper-giving-season afterall) but worth searching out if you can find some. After a long day for thy rugged man, give him something cozy to slip his tired feet into and kick up by the fire with a glass of his favorite adult beverage. Speaking of which…

An Upgraded Version of his Favorite Booze (price varies)

Does he like Canadian Whiskey? Get him Crown XO. Does he like Irish? Get Jameson Gold Reserve. Bourbon guy? Get him this year’s Maker’s Mark limited edition wood finishing release. The scientists at Maker’s are experimenting with different combinations of staves in the barrel and the effects on flavor. Now in the 2nd year of this project, this release is very limited, while still clocking in at an appropriate $60. My hunch is that as the hype catches up, so will the price. Act now, and grab a bottle for now and a bottle to stash.

Hamilton Mechanical Khaki Field – $495

Full review here. Nobody quite does an affordable military-inspired automatic like Hamilton. Field style, field functionality. For $500 (and available for less when on sale), you get an in-house movement with 80 hour power reserve and Super-LumiNova. If you’re adorned in rugged style more often than not, this might be the only watch you ever need.

Banana Republic Cable Knit Sweater – $49.25 ($98.50)

Sophisticated but still masculine. That’s fisherman’s sweaters for you. A top built for warmth at sea has now turned into a masculine virtue signal, albeit less salty. Banana Republic knows how to make a quality sweater at a great price, and this cableknit is no different.

Benchmade Griptilian S30V – $125

Made in the USA, the Griptilian is a bit of a legend in EDC knives. This blacked-out version oozes tactical function, with a corrosion-resistant coating on the S30V (read: very good for the $) steel blade and a fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle to keep it light in the pocket. A clever locking mechanism not only keeps the user safe when cutting, but also makes flicking open the blade a breeze – and truly, a delight.

Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor – $44

The Edwin Jagger safety razor is a beauty, and offers a great shave. For about $50, you get a well-built razor worthy of displaying on your bathroom counter. One of the better entry-level safety razors, it shows that getting a good shave doesn’t require shelling out a ton of cash. This is a great one for the guy who’s taken an interest in improving his grooming routine.

Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest – $150

Vests are hugely underrated. For everything from chopping wood to walking a 55 pound dog with the musculature of a pitbull and the never-stop energy of a border collie, freedom of movement while maintaining warmth is crucial. And vests give you that. That, and if you start working up a bit of a sweat, your pits can breathe, while your core stays warm. Made in the USA, and all kinds of hard-working heritage style.

Yeti Tundra 45 – $300

In these #unprecedentedtimes, a great getaway is a retreat to a cabin in the woods. A proper cooler is a quintessential piece for an outdoor trip, and there is none finer than the Yeti Tundra. It is an absurd purchase – nobody needs a $300+ cooler. That’s exactly why this makes an excellent gift; and once you start to use it, you start to understand the cult-like following. It’s supremely functional, but the draw is much more than that. I can’t eloquently explain it – but the camper on your list will be wildly appreciative.

Opinel No8 Knife – $15 

If the Benchmade is too pricey, but you still want to get your man a daily-use knife, Opinel has you covered. Once displayed along with a Rolex and a Porsche 911 in a museum exhibit titled: “The 100 Most Beautiful Products in the World.” Also incredibly useful. Stainless steel blade measures 3.25″. The locking collar (just spin it to keep the blade in place) is an extremely well designed, classic safety feature, though it’s not suited for heavy use. This is a nice box cutter that looks great, too.

The Standard Memorandum Journal + Leather Cover – $39

There is a beauty to note taking & journaling, and even more so when it happens in a beautiful notebook. A place to share thoughts with yourself, and record memories is vital to your well-being and, frankly, your sanity. The 2020 memorandum was featured in last year’s roundup of rugged guy picks, and for good reason. Beautiful, functional, and just downright special year after year. Little items like this, when upgraded properly, are a phenomenal gift.

Filson Original Briefcase – $230 – $300

A gift-worthy canvas bag. Made in the USA from sturdy cotton canvas and bridle leather accents. This is classic, timeless style.

Nordstrom 100% Cashmere Cap – $69.50

For the guy who spends a lot of time outdoors in the winter hiking, chopping wood, doing household chores, or anything else, he will surely appreciate a cashmere cap. Soft and silky with none of the itch that comes with “standard” lambswool.  And because it’s Nordstrom, it ships and returns for free too.

AmazonBasics Duffle Bag – $50ish

Cotton & poly canvas with leather trim. Made by Amazon’s AmazonBasics label, of all brands. Wild times. Uncle Jeff’s internet emporium seemingly offers everything, and this is a surprising offering. For $50ish, Amazon ships (in two days!) a heritage-styled weekender with enough storage for a men’s weekend when life is back to normal. Full review here.

Duluth Pack Canvas Coffee Sleeve – $10

Better than your average coozie. Unique, with that artisan crafted feel. Because it is. An excellent stocking stuffer for the caffeinated man on your list.

Give’r 4 Season Glove w/ Wax Coating  – $135

Spendy! But you can pick up a flaming log with them. Maybe… don’t make a habit of that. But it’s nice to know that if you ever needed to, you could!

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream – $7.99

For when the gloves come off. Because this stuff is the real deal, while most other hand creams are pretenders. It works. Period. And if he’s the type who has calluses and scraped up knuckles and split thumbs (the worst) in the winter, yet STILL knows how to look sharp, then this’ll help him from bleeding all over the place when buttoning up his favorite crisp white dress shirt.

Proof Merino 72-Hour Henley – $98

Tell him the price after he wears it. Because $98 is a crazy splurge, until you wear one, and compare them to cheap henleys. It’s strong but it breathes. It dries quick. And it has natural anti-stink properties. They call these things “72-hour” because you can wear ’em for 3 days without washing, and not worry that you smell like a dumpster. Slim but not crazy tight fit. Snap henley placket. Four colors to pick from. Just enough nylon in the blend to make them machine washable (just lay flat to dry). Merino wool is THE do-it-all fabric of the outdoors.

Leatherhead Old Fashioned Leather Sporting Goods – $130 – $350

Sporrrrrts. These are the guys who make “The Handsome Dan” football. What’s his favorite sport? Cool. Get that ball. Extra points if you actually go out and use it with him every once in a while, instead of just letting it sit on a shelf. Although they are basically works of art. Shelf is good too. But yeah. Use it. The medicine balls are particularly rad. And pricey.

Saddleback Toiletry Bag – $189

This is simultaneously an absolutely stupid gift, and also the perfect gift. Expensive? Yes. Best. Dopp Kit. Ever? Probably. Like everything else that Saddleback makes, it comes with a 100 year warranty. Love how it’s a “big mouth” style with a hinged top so you’re not digging around in the depths of some dark, zippered dopp for whatever you need. That can get dangerous when packing razor blades. Lets all the light in. Full review here.

Saddleback Slim Leather Briefcase – $529

More Saddleback. For the handsomely rugged office worker, even if it’s a home office nowadays, Saddleback makes an unfathomably beautiful briefcase. Looks good in every situation you may throw at it. For the most special man on your list – husband, dad, brother, whomever tops it. This is a gift he will CHERISH, and likely pass down to the next young man in his life. This is an heirloom briefcase.

WP Standard Military Duffel – $338.30 ($398)

When is a gym bag more than a gym bag? When it’s this downright gorgeous. Lots of fellas standout in the gym for the wrong reason – grunting, roid rage, posing in skin tight joggers and “dad hats.” This is for the gym rat who gets in, does his work, and gets out. More of a 1980’s Rocky Balboa smashing the heavy bag vibe than today’s modern Instagram all-show-no-go look. I digress. The duffel has that slightly unusual, but classic, top loading design. Great for getting your athletic gear to and from your chosen location to sweat buckets – even if that’s just your garage for the time being. Currently 15% off during WP Standard’s sitewide holiday sale.

Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Boot with Dainite Rubber Sole – $311 ($445)

Super versatile, made in the USA boots with studded Dainite rubber sole for traction. You would be hard pressed to find a better heritage-inspired pair of workwear Americana for your feet. Hard-working feet deserve hard-working boots. I’ve worn my  pair through 3 falls and winters now, and they still look fantastic. This is a pair that gets better with age as the Horween leather and cork footbed shapes to your foot to create a nearly 1:1 fit. Get this for the guy who puts in the extra effort, always.

Allen Edmonds Dalton Boot w/ Dainite Rubber Sole – $332 ($475)

And now, the legendary wingtip dress boot from Allen Edmonds. Same excellent construction, in a fancier form. Available with or without Dainite soles for grip, although with it being the slick season, the Dainite is recommended. The walnut shade is *chef’s kiss*. Currently 30% off as part of their holiday sale.

Nitecore P12 Flashlight – $44

Every man needs a bright, small flashlight. They’re great for tossing in a hiking backpack (look for one with an SOS setting), toolbox, car, first-aid kit, or just keeping on your person throughout the day. I carry a version of this Nitecore light on me, and it has pumped out reliably bright light for years. Comes with the aforementioned SOS setting, as well as a bright strobe setting.

Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600 – $845

The priciest item on the list, for the best man on your nice list. Christopher Ward has been making some REALLY nice (and pricey) timepieces lately, but their wheelhouse Trident diver checks all the right boxes, at a proper price. Swiss-made Sellita SW2000-1 movement, ceramic bezel, 600m water resistance, C1 Super-LumiNova (BRIGHT). These have been creeping up in price lately, too, so strike now before these hit four digits. This version with a steel bracelet will hit you for $965. Thankfully, the hybrid rubber/Cordura strap is more of the rugged style. Designed in the UK and built in Switzerland, down the street from Omega. Smart, sharp British styling with Swiss mechanics. An excellent pairing.

Looking for more gift guides? Here’s more of our gift guides for this year:

• Gifts for the guy who likes watches
• Gifts for the well dressed Dad
• Gifts for the guy who likes to wear suits
• Gifts for the guy who really likes shoes
• Gifts for her

How to Wear It: Amazon’s Goodthreads Men’s Fall/Winter 2020

Why anyone would want to wear only clothes from one store, I don’t know. BUT. It does make for a fun experiment, especially when it comes to showing the versatility of some classic, timeless pieces. Since we respect science here at Dappered, here are five, clickable outfits mostly comprised of this year’s fall collection from Amazon’s house brand Goodthreads. Head here for an in-depth review of a few key pieces from the collection, most of which are featured below.

Outfit 1: Casual Work From Home

Goodthreads: Quilted Vest – $40, Plaid Poplin Shirt – $24, Jeans – $38, Boot Socks – 3 for $15
(Orient Kamasu – $280, Gap Leather Belt – $20, Shoe the Bear Cap Toe Boot – $100)

Outfit 2: Quiet Thanksgiving at Home

Goodthreads: Shawl Sweater – $22 (don’t spill!), Button-Collar Chambray Dotted Shirt – $30,
Stretch Chino Pant – $30, Boot Socks – 3 for $15
(Hamilton Field King Automatic Watch – $625, The Tie Bar Suede Belt – $30, Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill – $295)

Outfit 3: Athleisure Errands

Goodthreads: French Terry Track Jacket – $35, Cotton Knit Hat – $15, Henley – $17,  Chino Drawstring Pant – $30,  Patterned Socks – 5 for $15
(Fjallraven Tote Bag – $90, Adidas Superstar – $85, Banana Republic Mask – 3 for $25)

Outfit 4: Chilly Afternoon Outdoors

Goodthreads: Sherpa Full Zip Jacket – $38, Long Sleeve Corduroy Shirt – $30, Jeans – $38, Marled Beanie – $15, Boot Socks – 3 for $15 (Danner Boots – $170 , Banana Republic Gloves – $68)

Outfit 5: Cold Nights Staying In, Nowhere To Be

Goodthreads: Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater – $30, Heritage Wash Pocket Tee – $15, Joggers – $30
(Ugg Olsen Slipper – $110, One of the best bourbons available, A spooky book perfect for the season)

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions and then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Casual date night will be a popular affair this fall with the burgeoning culture of at-home entertainment. This outfit is perfect for dressing nicer than your day-clothes, but still being comfortable in you or your significant other’s home. Open the windows for some fresh fall air, cook up dinner together, and enjoy the night in tempered style. Nothing fancy, but still super sharp in its simplicity.

The Sportcoat: Spier & Mackay Drago Blazer in Grey – $299. Yes, this is a casual date night, but it’s a DATE NIGHT nonetheless. Putting on a more casual-leaning, but still well-constructed blazer shows you’re putting in effort that you normally may not. This grey wool & linen blend blazer from the always-exceptional Spier & Mackay makes a special evening feel, well, special. Showing up to the door, or whatever the first moment of date night may be, in a jacket like this sets the tone. The rest of the outfit helps tone the look down to a more casual level. For something with a similar aesthetic at a cheaper price, Banana Republic has a slim cotton-blend blazer.

The Sweater: J. Crew Henley Sweater in Forest Green –$55.65 w/ 5DAYS ($70). J.Crew calls this “rugged cotton,” but I’m not quite sure why. It fits well and feels nice, more polished than rugged. The sweater is thinner than expected, and is a great piece for layering. The henley details plus-up the casual style, perfect for this affair. A lovely rich forest green color is seasonally appropriate, and we should all make an effort to wear more green this fall.

The Pants: Amazon Goodthreads Athletic Fit Jeans – $40. Or, whatever your favorite pair of well fitting denim (slim, athletic, whatever) happens to be. If you’re the athletic fit type and want more options? Head here for our round up of the best athletic fit jeans for men.

The Watch: Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Black Dial/Brown Strap – $431. 25 ($575). NOTE: These are currently price matched at Nordstrom. And since Uncle Nordy is an authroized dealer, it’s like buying direct from Hamilton. Read on to find out why that’s valuable. If you’re the type of guy who leans casual in his wardrobe most of the time, this could be the last watch you buy for the rest of your life. Hamilton builds quality automatic time pieces with luxury flourishes at great price points. They especially excel in creating sharp, high-function field watches, and this 38mm Khaki Field Auto with a date indicator offers a great value. You can absolutely buy this from a grey market dealer like Jomashop, but the peace of mind provided from buying direct (and the service and warranty that comes with it) might be worth the extra coin.

The Belt: Banana Republic Italian Leather Belt in Cognac – $41 ($59.50). Yep. Again. This is the elder, more refined, brother of the beloved GAP’s basic leather belt. Step up from the basic version for date night.

The Socks:  Gap Printed Socks  – $4.77 w/ 1DAY ($8). Have some fun with your socks with this look. Don’t go too wild, but show some personality in an easy way with a patterned pair of socks.

The Shoes: Adidas Stan Smith in White/Light Blue – $67 ($95). Sneakers are a tried and true way to dress down a blazer and still look sharp, and the Adidas Stan Smith is THE shoe to nail this look. Not all Stan Smith’s have the same leather upper, and this pair has an upgraded leather that usually runs for an upgraded price. Seize the moment.

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. You smell that? No, not what The Rock is cooking, but the crispness of autumn air starting to creep in to our collective lives. Fall is the wheelhouse style season for most of us, and what better way to break out your closet than on a date. As establishments open up at different paces (and maybe close back down), this outfit will serve you well for an outdoor dining date, or for a comfortable night at home. Because why not? Why save looking your best for out of the place where you spend most of your time? The keys to success are a versatile, easy-wearing sportcoat and confidence. Stun ’em with a smile.

The Sportcoat: Bonobos Unstructured Sportcoat in Navy – $400. This could be the last sportcoat or blazer you buy for a long time. Navy, because versatility is everything, and an unstructured fit that you can dress up or down depending upon the rest of your outfit. Exceptional 100% wool fabric in a dashing athletic cut, this is a sharp staple for any closet. Since early autumn temperatures can fluctuate greatly within a single day, the unlined wool construction breathes and moves with you to stay comfortable as the temperature changes. If you’re lucky, you might be able to take advantage of Bonobos’ warehouse sale and find something on DEEP discount, like this lighter shade, stretch wool blazer that can hit on the same look as its much more expensive unstructured brother.

The Watch: Tissot Visodate Automatic – $650. A classic, sharp outfit like this calls for a classic dress watch. You’re  getting dressed up for a reason, so opt for a slim, elegant, understated timepiece. And then put your phone down. A watch allows you to know what time it is (and when dinner can come out of the oven) without the pings from your pocket sized dopamine machine. The Tissot Visodate offers Swiss construction with smart details like a day-date indicator, sapphire crystal and an exhibition caseback. It can be found for much cheaper at third-party gray market dealers, but buying from an “authorized” dealer (like Macy’s) will give you the peace of mind of a factory warranty. Plus, Macy’s does sales. Just a matter of waiting. Don’t want to spend so much? Tough to beat The (great) Bambino.

The Shirt: Nordstrom Trim Fit Non-Iron Buttoned-Down Collar in White – $40. Nordstrom men’s shop knows what they’re doing when it comes to providing quality goods at a fair price. $40 for a well-fitted wrinkle-resistant shirt in a soft Supima cotton is a no-brainer for this style scenario. The white and blue combo is classic contrast, while the buttoned-down collar provides some balance to the sportcoat. It’s dressy, but not too dressy. It shows you’re making an extra effort, but not trying too hard. And, since it’s Nordstrom, it ships and returns for free.

The Pants: Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos in Graphite – $98. Bonobos is so commonly recommended on this site for 2 big reasons: consistent quality, and an incredibly wide variety of fit combinations. With a dark blue sportcoat and rich brown boots, keeping your pants in a lighter shade creates nice contrast, also aided by the white shirt. These provide the ying to the boot’s yang. In a time of year when the weather can swing wildly, an ensemble of light and dark helps to ease your way into fall and the evening ahead.

The Drink: Smith & Hook Red Blend – $20 via Drizly. I know absolutely nothing about wine. It’s not my go-to drink of choice, but it’s a great mood-setter to bring to a date night. For $20, this red blend from Smith and Hook has a nice touch of sweetness without the overly dry finish some lower-priced wines can carry. Plus, the branding is slick!

The Belt: Allen Edmonds Stitch Avenue in Coffee – $69. A dressed up date night calls for a proper dressed-up belt. The leather can almost be smelled through your screen. Excellent craftsmanship, and a belt that will last for years at a reasonable price. For 30 bucks less the Brogue street belt is a texture-rich for a bargain price of  $40 if you can grab it in your size.

The Socks: Nordstrom Rib Wool Dress Sock in Charcoal – $12.50. Ribbed, for your pleasure comfort. Wool is cool. Literally. Most of you have heard this a zillion times before, but for the newbies: wool is a temperature regulator, and will help keep feet fresh if the shoes come off.

The Shoes: Banana Republic Arley Boot in Brown – $100ish. ALL HAIL BOOT SEASON. With the onset of autumn comes every man’s favorite leaf-cruncher, the leather boot. Not only do boots look sharp, but they create a sense of ass-kicking confidence that wears well for a date night. Just don’t get cocky. Look for short-lugged soles, slim midsoles, and a leather minimalistic upper for the ideal heritage work boot. Banana Republic, for the coin, usually offers a great option every fall. Word is a pair is on the way for a Dappered review, so stay tuned for that. While pricey at full retail, big-time discounts are a’plenty in these #unprecedentedtimes.

About the Author: Jason P. spends his days working in the creative marketing department of a big telecom company. He also does a bit of real estate investing on the side. He believes in curating a timeless, classic wardrobe with subtle modern touches for today. He and his wife love hiking with their dog and shopping at local small businesses and antique stores when they travel. Jason is a practitioner of muay thai and traditional boxing, and his favorite drink is a hoppy New England IPA.

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. When it’s too damn hot and you just want to take everything off, it’s tough to find relief from the suffocating heat. As late summer rolls on, the days bring scorching heat. The type of heat that makes your face melt. 95 to 100 degree heat with wet blanket like humidity. Some days are just too damn hot to give a damn, yet a bit of effort can have you looking noticeably better than melted ice cream. Here’s one way to do just that, while staying as comfortable as possible. 

The Shirt: Target All In Motion Jersey Golf Polo in White – $20. Smarter aesthetic than laying around in a tech tee, while still maintaining much of that breathability you need in the heat. Consider this a budget alternative to the “Are you kidding me?” price of the Lululemon metal vent tech polo. Even better, this polo is made of 90% recycled polyester. 

The Shorts: Bonobos Lightweight Shorts in Light Blue Oxford Cloth – $28 FINAL ($78). Quite the sale Bonobos is having. And to find their famed “oxleys” in the sale section was a nice surprise. Cool and crisp cotton fabric, just like your favorite lightweight ocbd.

The Sunglasses: Warby Parker Barkley in Antique Shale Fade – $95. That fade. Sleek and dark but also has that bit of earth-tone in there too. Polarized to keep the glare out. These provide a good balance aesthetically while keeping your eyes fresh.

The Sweat & Stink Management Tools: Burt’s Bee’s Talc-Free Baby Powder – $9 & Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Patchouli + Hops Hemp Seed Oil Deodorant – $8. Burt’s Bee’s offers a superb natural dry-powder alternative to the typical talcum powder. Cleaner is better. The same goes for your deodorant.  This may be an unpopular opinion, but sweat itself is natural. Forego the common aluminum-based antiperspirants and use a natural deodorant. You’ll smell clean and do so in environmentally and skin friendly fashion. Plus, no yellow stains on your shirts. It’s the aluminum in anti-antiperspirants that causes those pit stains. Not sweat.

The Shoes: Cole Haan Hayes Penny Loafer in Indigo Suede – $70. These are slick. Loafers offer the convenience of easy on/off wear, and plus-up your outfit with a bit of class that exceeds that of a typical boat shoe. Cushioned and well-built, like most Cole Haan offerings, these penny drivers offer classic style with modern comfort. The blue suede uppers lend to the summer-vibes, while strategically placed perforations keep your feet cool. A smartly engineered shoe for the summer heat.

The Watch: Casio G-Shock Quartz Resin Watch in Black – $43. A similar watch was featured in our annual “best affordable watches for dads & grads” post. This G-shock may not appeal to the menswear snobs, but it’s durable, reliable and cheap. Plus, you’re avoiding a leather band or a glare-inducing stainless band in the high heat. Lightweight and legible, this is as basic as it gets but still is a long-lasting, worthwhile buy.

The Splurge: Yeti Tundra 35 in Seafoam – $250. Can a cooler be a status symbol? Yes, if it’s a Yeti. There are most certainly cheaper alternatives that deliver 80% of the functionality and durability, but that can be said for a lot of items. Yeti has a cult following for good reason – the coolers keep your drinks and food cold for seemingly an eternity, while looking slick in great colors and built to take a beating. A total splurge, but something to keep your drinks ice cold to beat the heat.

The Poolside/Beach/Shade Tree read: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – $9. Without giving too much away, this novel is an absolute triumph of resolve, sacrifice, family, and heroism. The book follows multiple characters, primarily two sisters as they each handle Nazi occupation in France during WW2. The elder sister is a war-wife who’s husband has gone to war, and the family home is under Nazi occupation. The younger sister is a zealous romantic rebel, looking to play a role in saving France. If you have at all an interest in dramatic historical fiction, this is for you. 

The Underwear: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief – $18. The crown jewel of underwear for your family jewels. I alternate between these and the Under Armour Boxerjock. Both are a great options for moisture-wicking and breathability for your goodies, but the ExOfficio are more airy, less clingy.

About the Author: Jason P. spends his days working in the creative marketing department of a big telecom company. He also does a bit of real estate investing on the side. He believes in curating a timeless, classic wardrobe with subtle modern touches for today. He and his wife love hiking with their dog and shopping at local small businesses and antique stores when they travel. Jason is a practitioner of muay thai and traditional boxing, and his favorite drink is a hoppy New England IPA.

Blue. Especially navy. It’s the backbone of many a guy’s wardrobe. So much so that sometimes it’s tough to avoid. But y’know? That’s not always a bad thing. Quite the opposite for some of us in fact, and leaning on dark blue can be a great strategy for the men’s style newbie. Let’s give one of the most popular colors in men’s style its due. Ten “essentials” (there will always be exceptions, these are more guidelines really) follow, with a few picks for each.

#10. Casual Woven/Macrame Belt

• J. Crew Made in the USA Braided Web Belt ‘ $31.99 ($45) shown above
• Bonobos Casual Belt – $54.40 w/ ECLIPSE20 ($78)
• Lands’ End Elastic Woven Belt – $23.97 when 40% off ($39.95) 
• Jomers Made in the USA Sagamore Belt – $20 sold out, but fantastic if you can get your hands on one.
• GAP Elastic Braided Belt – $17.97 when 40% off ($29.95) 

These are especially useful during the warmer months, but also look great with a pair of jeans in fall & winter. Once the weather gets hot, use it with shorts, lightweight pants, and even to further dress down a light summer suit. There are plenty of more colorful/preppy casual belt options out there, but hardly any as versatile as a deep blue or navy woven belt with leather accents.

#9. Lightweight Mac and/or Warm Wool Peacoat or Topcoat

• Charles Tyrwhitt Peak Lapel Wool & Cashmere Topcoat – $499
• UNIQLO Navy Mac Jacket – $129.90
• UNIQLO Wool/Cashmere Topcoat – $149.90
• Suitsupply Navy Wool Blend Raincoat – $499
• J. Crew Dock Peacoat – $298 (navy should show up closer to winter) 
• Billy Reid “Bond” Peacoat – $695 (but seriously, check your Army/Navy surplus store)

The standard khaki trench looks great on most, but a dark blue lightweight mac for spring/summer, and a classic deep blue peacoat for fall and winter are a little more subtle. Less Inspector Gadget. Prices, depending on the maker, can vary wildly for both of these styles. From the hyper inexpensive to the 401k wrecking level, yet each might be able to be sourced (especially peacoats) at your local army/navy surplus store for a heck of a lot cheaper than you’d think.

#8. Chinos and/or Wool Trousers

• Year’rounder Wool Dress Trousers in Tailored or Traditional Fit – $53.97 when 40% off ($89.95)
• Nordstrom Flat Front Wool Trousers ‘ $49.75 ($99.50)
• Bonobos “Jet Blues” Stretch Washed Chinos – $78.40 w/ ECLIPSE20 ($98)
• Amazon Goodthreads Slim-Fit Washed Chino Pant – $30 
• Banana Republic Slim Fit Core Temp Chino – $58.80 when 40% off ($98)

This would be an “or” situation for most. If you work in a more casual environment, then flat front cotton chinos are probably as formal as you’ll want to get in terms of stand alone pants. But if you’re in a white-collar workplace, navy wool trousers are gonna see plenty of time alongside mid-grey sportcoats, sweaters, and shirt & tie combinations.

#7. Socks. Especially wool socks.

• Nordstrom Wool Blend Above-the-Calf Dress Socks – $14.50
• Gold Toe Men’s Windsor Wool Dress Sock, 3-Pack – $21.00

The guideline is to match your socks to your pants. Or at least get close. Wearing blue socks with blue pants (even jeans) helps make you look taller, since showing matching sock elongates your legs, instead of having a bold contrast visually cutting you off at the ankle. (Shoes pictured are the Allen Edmonds Fairfax in the old Chili. They also seem to be available on Nordstrom Rack in Walnut.)

#6. Grenadine or Matte Silk Necktie

• TheTieBar 3″ Grenafaux in Navy – $19.
• Kent Wang Made in Italy Grenadine Necktie – $75 shown above 
• Brooks Brothers Made in the USA Italian Silk Tie – $79.50

For grey suits of all kinds, from light grey to charcoal, pinstriped to solid. A deep navy tie is a serious tie, but the bit of texture that grenadine offers can keep it from looking too slick. More on the advantages of navy ties (and ties of other colors too), can be found over here.

#5. Lightweight Wool Sweater

• UNIQLO Extra Fine Merino Wool – $39.90
• GAP 100% Merino Wool V Neck – $35.97 when 40% off ($59.95) 
• Banana Republic Extra Fine Merino V-Neck – $47.70 when 40% off ($79.50 )
• Amazon Goodthreads 100% Cashmere V-Neck Sweater – $89

Looks equally as good with contrasting pants like traditional khaki-chinos, or with an all-blue outfit up against dark wash denim. Most brands release their wool sweaters in August as we start sneaking up on fall. Merino just might be the perfect material too. Not too bulky, not too itchy, warm but breathable, and nowhere near the cost of cashmere. But hey, if you wanna treat yourself, treat yourself.

#4. A Cotton Chino or Knit Sportcoat

• North & Mark Union Blazer – $219.98 ($245) shown above
• J. Crew Factory Unconstructed Chino Sportcoat – $89.99
• GAP Casual Classic Blazer in Stretch Chino – $53.97 when 40% off ($89.95) 
• Suitsupply Havana in Cotton/Linen – $399

Fudging the definition of “Navy” here just a bit. While a deep dark navy is great, so is a medium blue. That’ll do too. And less is more here. You want less lining, and try to skip the functional sleeve buttons which can be a pain to tailor. An all cotton chino sportcoat is extremely versatile, and can really elevate even the most casual looks in a pinch. And it just doesn’t look anywhere as dressed up as a navy blazer looks. Which is good considering the world seems to be getting more and more casual.

#3. Dark Wash Denim

• Banana Republic Rapid Movement Denim in Slim or Straight – $70.80 when 40% off ($118) 
• Levis 505/501/514/511 – $39 – $59 (especially in Tumbled Rigid or Rinse)
• Banana Republic Traveler Jeans – $71.40 when 40% off ($119) review here
• GAP Slim Fit Jeans with GapFlex – $41.97 when 40% off ($69.95)
• Amazon Goodthreads Selvage Denim in Slim or Straight – $50

Some of us could live in dark wash denim. Some of us DO live in dark wash denim. And it doesn’t have to be some bespoke $200 pair of selvedge, raw, hand rubbed by free-range Civets immediately after passing their butt-java… jeans. A pair of $40 Levis does just fine. More than fine. With everything from a plain t-shirt to an OCBD and a rumpled blazer.

#2. A versatile Wool Blazer

• Land’s End Tailored Fit Italian Wool Blazer – $179.40 when 40% off ($299) full review here
• J. Crew Legacy Blazer in Ludlow or Crosby Fit – $350
• Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer – $320 w/ ECLIPSE20 ($400)
• Brooks Brothers Regent Fit BrooksCool Stretch Wool Blazer – $498

A little less structure than a suit jacket, but still easy to dress up with chinos or trousers. Often looks dynamite with jeans. Some guys prefer the traditional, brass-button look, but others want darker buttons on their blazers. More on the differences between blazers, sportcoats, and suit jackets can be found here.

#1. A well fitting Navy Suit

• Spier & Mackay Super 120s Navy Suit in Slim or Contemporary Fit – $328 (shown above)
• SuitSupply Napoli Fit – $399
• J. Crew Ludlow or Crosby Fit in Italian Wool – $350 – $650 (depending on sales & codes)
• Black Lapel Midnight Blue Custom Suit – $499 (also shown at top of post) 
• Nordstrom Tech-Smart Trim Fit Solid Stretch Wool Travel Suit – $249.49 ($499) 

Charcoal might be more versatile (it can be worn in more serious and somber situations, such as a funeral), but most guys just look better in a navy blue suit. Plus, as long as the buttons are a dark brown, you can wear just about any color shoe with it. From black to walnut, and everything in between. For a guy’s first navy suit, he should look for a suit with a solid fabric, notch lapel jacket, and flap pockets with a welt at the chest. And it should skim, but not strangle your frame.

A guy in a well tailored sportcoat or blazer looks unfairly good. These jackets (along with suit jackets) are engineered to make us look stronger, leaner, and more confident. But all of those advantages can be nullified by wearing a jacket that’s either too casual or too dressed up for the occasion. This hierarchy, moving from most casual to most dressed up, is not absolute. There are always exceptions, and often, depending on what it’s worn with, one of these jackets could leapfrog another (or others) on this list. Individual suggestions for each type are added in case you want to dive in and get one for yourself.

Rumpled, Casual Cotton Sportcoat

• Bonobos Unconstructed Cotton Blazer – $105 w/ SUMMERHOLIDAY ($228)
• GAP Cotton Slub Blazer – $89.95 (and always on sale)
• Hugh & Crye Seneca Blazer – $165 ($195)
• J. Crew Ludlow Fit Blazer in Microgrid Cotton – $228

The most casual by far. These are the sportcoats that have minimal lining, super soft shoulders, and are almost always made from a cotton twill that actually looks better with a few wrinkles and rumples to it. These sportcoats look terrific with jeans and OCBDs, and can absolutely be worn with classic court style sneakers. Remember: Not all cotton sportcoats/blazers are this most-casual type. We’ll get to the smoother, more polished options farther down the list. Shown above: a Micro Houndstooth unconstructed sportcoat from J. Crew. Currently sold out.

Tweed/Textured Wool Sportcoat or Corduroy Sportcoat

• J. Crew Ludlow Fit Corduory Sportcoat – $198
• Suitsupply Havana Check Sportcoat – $499
• Brooks Brothers Italian Merino Wool Knit Blazer – $199.20 ($498)
• Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald Fit Wool Sportcoat – $348.60 ($498)

Originally worn during “sporting” activities like hunting, riding, and shooting (thus the “sport” in sportcoat), these jackets are sorta like brogues in the shoe world. Originally intended to be worn outdoors, with functionality a premium, they’re now super easy to dress up or down. These are almost always fall/winter appropriate, with textured fabrics like tweed or corduroy. Don’t worry… picks above don’t truly reflect the market. Much, much more affordable options will come available as we move closer to the fall. Shown above: A Suitsupply Havana Fit in soft tweed. Currently sold out, but expect it, or at least something highly similar, to return in the fall.

Unconstructed/Lightly Constructed Linen Sportcoat

• Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald Fit Linen Sportcoat – $224 ($448) (shown above)
• J. Crew Linen/Cotton Summerweight Ludlow Fit Sportcoat – $168
• J. Crew Factory Unconstructed Linen Sportcoat – $80ish – $100
• UNIQLO Linen Cotton Blazer – $59.90 ($79.90)
• Banana Republic Modern-Slim Houndstooth Linen Blazer – $230

Almost certainly a tie in terms of formality with the previously mentioned tweed/cord sportcoats. These are seasonal and look/feel great even in the hottest of temperatures. Look for options with as little lining as possible, since a full lining is awfully counter-productive when it comes to a highly breathable fabric like linen. Also like the tweed, these are easy to dress up, or down, and only end up on the more casual end of the scale due to the fabrics that are used to make them.

Polished Cotton Sportcoat

• Banana Republic Italian Made 74% Cotton, 24% Linen, 2% Spandex Blazer – $230 (shown above, sold out, but this is close.)
• JC Penney Stafford Signature Cotton Sportcoat – $62.50 w/ TOSHOP8 ($125)
• J. Crew Italian Cotton Sportcoat – $228
• JCF Thompson Fit Chino Blazer – $49.99 FINAL (all but sold out, review here)

A little more structure than the super-casual rumpled cotton options. These are the sportcoats and blazers that can be subbed in for a more traditional, dressy wool blazer in a pinch. Usually a smooth cotton fabric, but they can also have a little texture to them (like the BR option shown above). Just makes sure it’s more of a simple, clean texture, and less work-wear like (think tweed and corduroy).

Wool Hopsack or Wool/Silk/other blends Blazer

• Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Sportcoat – $400 (shown above)
• Spier and Mackay Navy Hopsack in Contemporary or Slim Fit – $272.80 ($358 CAD)
• Lands’ End Wool Blend Regatta Blazer – $198
• Suitsupply Havana Fit Sportcoat – $399
• Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald Fit Wool Silk Plaid Sportcoat – $249 ($498)

Hopsack = a slightly looser weave that breathes extremely well. Has a bit of texture to it, but still is dressed up enough to wear with pressed cotton dress pants or wool trousers. A jacket without that hopsack texture can also fall into this category, as long as it’s not a super sleek wool in navy (we’re about to get there). Something with a pattern yet a smooth feel fits in here too. These jackets can also pull some duty with dark wash jeans.

Classic or Modern Navy Wool Blazer

• J. Crew Legacy Blazer in Ludlow or Crosby Fit – $154.99 FINAL (all but sold out, shown above) 
• Suitsupply Havana Fit Blazer – $399
• Charles Tyrwhitt Wool Slim Fit Blazer – $259 ($300)
• Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Blazer – $274 ($548) (all but sold out) 
• Bonobos “The Academy” Blazer – $398

Classic = brass or silver-tone metal buttons. The more modern interpretations skip the metal buttons but have other details like patch pockets or top-stitching that help it look less like an orphaned suit jacket. We’re pretty far up on the formality scale here, but even at this point, some of these blazers can be worn with jeans. Might wanna avoid the classic version + jeans combo though. Brass buttons and denim really seem to clash.

Dinner Jacket

• Brooks Brothers Fitzgerald Fit Windowpane Dinner Jacket – $299 ($498) (shown above)
• J. Crew Ludlow Shawl Collar Dinner Jacket in Fiore Cotton – $208.60 w/ 48HOURS ($298)
• Suitsupply Blue Velvet Dinner Jacket – $399
• Suitsupply Cream Silk Dinner Jacket – $499

The type of jacket you wear to a black tie event that doesn’t match your tuxedo trousers. Plaids and patterns are “in” at the moment, but the risk is they look dated down the road. What won’t look dated? A cream colored dinner jacket. Worked for Rick in Casablanca. Will work for you too.

Other things that could sway how dressed up or dressed down a jacket can be: Are you wearing a tie? What color is the shirt? (White = more formal.) What type of shoes are you wearing? Are there patch pockets (more casual) or flap/welts on the jacket? All of those details can influence the level of formality of any given jacket. For example, a polished cotton jacket when worn with a knit tie and light grey chinos will look more dressed-up than a modern navy wool blazer with an open collared dress shirt and jeans.

1. Make eye contact.
2. Pay someone a genuine compliment.
3. Try the special every once in a while.
4. Floss.
5. Dance. Even if you think you’re a terrible dancer.
6. Don’t be a drunk.
7. Lower the goal from “Get their number” to “Enjoy connecting with someone new.”
8. Listen.
9. Pick up that thing they just dropped and hand it back to them.
10. Remember names.
11. Read more.
12. Smile. Even if you think your smile looks goofy. Do it anyway.
13. Be kind to kids and animals.
14. Learn how to roll up your sleeves.
15. Put the phone away. Observe.
16. Care less about what others might think, and trust yourself a bit more.
17. Don’t slouch.
18. Get the door.
19. Don’t be a goof. Go ahead. Take yourself seriously…
20. … just don’t take yourself too seriously.
21. Carry a bit of cash.
22. Call instead of text.
23. Ask questions, then take a real interest in the answers.
24. Keep an eye out for stray hairs.
25. Always leave them wanting more. A little mystery can go a long way.

Items at very top of post: Blazer by Bonobos, shirt by Ledbury, Pants by Banana Republic (very old,) suede monks by Wall + Water (also very old,) watch by Hamilton.