Is it just me, or are your weeknights and weekends suddenly packed with social plans? An unusually large number of people I love are born in March, and maybe it’s the sun trying to come out again, but everyone seems ready to come out of hibernation.
It’s also been a busy month with clients getting ahead of the warmer months, booking shopping trips for full outfit overhauls or quick wardrobe refreshes. Not ready for a full overhaul? I’ll be posting the four items I think every man should have for spring on my IG later today.
— Jacqueline, JGYL Styling Founder and Head Stylist
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Last night’s Oscars proved that a great tuxedo is still the foundation of a great men’s outfit. Tailoring and accessories were what separated the well-dressed from the best-dressed. Last night, tuxes were everywhere, with lots of brooches and all sorts of bow ties. Shaboozey swapped a bow tie for a brooch, Joe Alwyn wore a floppy ribbon bow tie with his custom Valentino, and Paul Mescal paired a ribbon bow with a black cardigan (didn’t hate it). It was Michael B. Jordan’s night, with a militaristic jacket that only he can pull off, and a wallet chain that caught my eye. I loved Wagner Moura’s custom Zegna and Ryan Coogler’s LV tux - everything from the tailoring to the black and white contrast, to the perfect pocket square, rings, and, don’t think I didn’t spot the Cartier Tank à Guichet.
You may have noticed the rugby shirt popping up on runways and on celebrities last fall. Originally worn by English schoolboys playing rugby, the shirt was made from thick cotton so it could handle a full-contact sport. Thanks to the resurgence of ‘90s and 2000s nostalgia, the preppy fashion style is back for the spring/summer season. Canadian brand KOTN has a whole rugby collection. I’ve seen guys throw on a rugby shirt over jeans and call it a day, but a little bit of intention can go a long way. Try matching one of the colours in the shirt (usually the white) with a pair of chinos or pleated pants, like this. Add a baseball cap and sneakers, and you’ve got an easy weekend outfit.
It’s almost wedding season, which means it’s time to dust off your go-to navy suit. Or… if you’re ready to try something new, the warmer months are a great time to be a wedding guest. You’re more likely to be outdoors, and dress codes tend to be more floral than formal. If you’re ready for a small change, try two earth tones and swap the standard dress shirt for a white polo, like this. If you’re ready to go bold, I’m still waiting for someone to please wear this outfit to a summer engagement party. The easiest way to switch things up is by choosing a bold, in-season colour. Suitsupply has some amazing options right now, like this light green and this mint green. For more affordable options, RW&Co has great colours year-round, though their fits tend to run slim.
Canadian menswear brand Frank And Oak is back. Known for its elevated men’s basics - styles similar to RW&Co., but priced a little below Banana Republic - the brand built a reputation for staples that were not too trendy but not too basic. The company filed for creditor protection in 2024 and officially shut down all of its retail stores by last spring. But last week, it announced that it’s back in business, with the online store relaunching on March 19.
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The tailoring on this Eleventy sports coat is impeccable. Definitely a slim fit, so it’s not for every body type, but if it fits you well, it looks great. At almost $2,000 just for the coat, it’s a pricey investment, for sure. The wool-linen blend makes the coat really lightweight, unlike a standard structured blazer. Eleventy is known for its attention to detail. This coat is 100% handmade in Italy and apparently took nearly 10 hours to complete.
Before you keep reading, take a guess: which one is the budget outfit and which one is the premium one?
…
If you’ve been following along the past few weeks, I may have given away too many hints.
The outfit on the left is from RW&Co and is currently on sale for $348 for the blazer and pants. The one on the right is from Aimé Leon Dore and, based on their other suiting online, likely retails for around $3,000.
The price difference is a no-brainer. Buy the RW&Co version and style it like the ALD version, or experiment with other accessories to elevate the look.
That said, you often get what you pay for. I haven’t seen the ALD version in person, but even from the photos, you can tell the cut is more modern and the fabric drapes better. At this level, you’re paying as much for the tailoring as you are for the brand name.
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Banana Republic’s family and friends 40% off sale is on now until March 22. This linen-cotton suit jacket and pants would be great for a spring wedding.
Hollister is having a spring essentials sale, up to 30% off, online until March 19, in-store until March 24. I’m into this faux leather jacket.
Ask Me Anything 🙋🏻♀️
“Are skinny jeans out?”
Yep. And it saddens both genders. Styles come and go, so don’t throw out your favourites. For now, if you like a slimmer fit, try slim-fit straight pants and avoid “skinny.”
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