Your First Look

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The stars lit up TIFF this year, but it was the red carpet that I really cared about. And whether you’re walking a red carpet or heading into a big presentation, the same rules apply. Make use of colours and patterns: If you don’t want to stray too far from your comfort zone (ex. suit and tie), play with colours and patterns. Choose a blazer with a plaid print, or switch out that white t-shirt for a cream sweater. Oversized with intention: Channing Tatum’s look in the middle photo works because the shoulders extend slightly, but the sleeves and pants are tailored just right. Slouchy, not baggy. Clean lines: Paul Mescal’s sloppy white shirt collar in the first photo is the reason I don’t recommend a golf shirt under a blazer. Opt for a clean white shirt with a good collar, preferably in a knit fabric, like this one.

I recently bought this baseball cap from a U.S. retailer, and the shipping ended up costing almost as much as the hat itself. I wouldn’t have pulled the trigger if I didn’t love it, but it reminded me to start watching out for the “tariff tax” when shopping online. Reminder: Just because a brand says it’s Canadian doesn’t mean it actually ships from Canada. If you’re looking to support Canadian brands and avoid the tariff tax, here are a few of my favourites: Reigning Champ for simple, athleisure. RW&Co for business casual. Du/er, known for its comfortable jeans and “dress pants”. And KOTN for casual basics.

It was the summer of Pedro and Brad - two style icons proving that men over 50 can be in their fashion prime. A good reminder that fashion doesn’t come with an age limit. And looking good later in life doesn’t mean raiding your 20-something nephew’s closet (though this sleeveless look works at any age). This look and this look are totally copyable with pieces already in your closet or from mall staples. No designer budget needed.

Simon’s is now open at Yorkdale Mall. At a time when other department stores are shutting their doors, this Canadian retailer is opening its 18th store, with a second Toronto location opening at Eaton Centre later this year. Expect a mix of men’s dress clothes and casual pieces from Simons’ own house brand and designers like Boss and Ralph Lauren. With shoes and accessories, it’s a great alternative to Winners - I highly recommend checking it out as a one-stop shop.

I’m obsessed with vests and have been for years. This year, they finally had their moment thanks to a few celebrity sightings. If we’ve shopped together recently, I probably recommended one. I love this one from Oak + Fort and this one from Reiss (but beware of duties, Reiss ships from the UK).

Fall fashion is my favourite fashion season. The layers, the neutral tones, the accessories - the best. And while summer isn’t technically over, the sales racks say otherwise (see below). Fall collections have dropped, and some of the biggest trends to watch for this year are leather jackets, colourful cardigans, brown anything, and oversized coats (I’d definitely steal this one from your closet).

Banana Republic is having a friends and family sale, up to 50% off until Sept. 22, including my favourite cashmere sweater in limited colours.

Not a lot of sizes left, but Club Monaco’s end-of-season sale is up to 60% off. 

Lots of summer styles on sale at RW&Co, including the Johnny Collar polo (still a few good colours left). 

“Can I wear a collared shirt under a sweater?”

The classic collared-shirt-under-sweater combo is a common request. The secret is in the collar. Make sure the shirt collar is ironed and flat enough to stay tucked under the neckline of your sweater (a round crewneck). Like this. Letting the shirt collar sit over the sweater neckline gives the outfit a bit of a school-uniform feel. Not what we’re going for. Next, unbutton the top button on your shirt. It relaxes the look and makes it feel less buttoned-up (literally). 

Bonus tip: Make sure the shirt underneath actually fits you well. If it’s too big or bulky, you’ll see the extra fabric bunching under your sweater. Tuck the shirt into your pants for a cleaner look, and if you want to add a little dimension, let the shirt cuffs peek out slightly at the sleeves. Small details make a big difference.

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