My Husband's Wardrobe

14. The watch

A has been wearing the same watch for 10 years, so this year for Christmas I got him another option. This is the Timex x J.Crew 1600 watch (photo from jcrew.com). Timex are a brand that sell economical watches that watch geeks respect, and J.Crew sell simple, classic clothes. All in all this makes for a good collaboration. The 1600 is a sleek and stylish watch with a silver face and a chocolate brown croc-embossed leather band. It can be dressed up or down, just the way A likes it. I’m happy with it and he is too. I bought his from jcrew.com but it’s also available from Mr Porter - shop around for the best price.

13.  The linen suit

An action shot today because no way would this photograph in the terrible light in my bedroom.  I might update some of the previous shots to action ones, as this is actually better.

Once you’ve purchased a good navy suit and a good charcoal suit, consider a natural linen suit for summer.  Yes, it will wrinkle and need steaming after each wear.  It’s worth it.  It breathes enough that you won’t feel uncomfortable, and you’ll look a hundred times more put together than anybody else.

This suit is actually from H&M.  It looks more expensive because it fits well.  A didn’t feel a great need to spend a lot on this one, which is fine.

Pictured with the burgundy belt and pale blue tie previously discussed.  Worn with unseen burgundy monk straps.  Also pictured with wrinkles in the legs as this photo was taken quite late in the day.

12.  The leather jacket

You often see the word “buttery” thrown around in regards to leather, and I’m ashamed to say I’m going to do it here.  This is a buttery soft vintage Ralph Lauren leather jacket that has served A well through a number of seasons already, and has many more ahead of it.

Consider buying a vintage leather jacket instead of a new one - good leather only gets better with time, and there are plenty of options available to you in any price range.

11.  The ties

A few of A’s ties.  He doesn’t own a huge assortment as he only buys what fills a functional hole in his wardrobe.  

L-R: Orange basketweave, silver/black herringbone, black embossed texture, pale blue basketweave, black knit.  All 100% silk.

A has a slim frame so these are all slim ties (not skinny - leave those in the 8s where they belong thankyouverymuch.)  Remember to take your own proportions into account when choosing your clothes.

10. The overcoat

We live in a city with relatively mild winters, but it does get cold enough at night to warrant an overcoat - plus, it’s come in handy a number of times when travelling to colder climates.  

A’s is a handsome black double-breasted 100% wool version from Marcs.  It’s devoid of any extraneous details, which ensures that it will serve him well for many, many years.  It also has a button-down back vent, to allow extra insulation if need be.

9.  The sneakers

Everyone needs a good pair of sneakers for casual times.  Converse, Keds, whatever - if it looks classic then it’s a go.  A’s latest pair are Supergas - again, it’s the Italian thing.  They’re a navy classic cut, which is versatile and easy to match with lots of outfits.

8.  The coloured jeans

A doesn’t wear blue jeans anymore, but he *does* enjoy coloured ones - they speak to his Italian soul, or something.  These pairs are both from Zara and definitely add interest to casual outfits.  They look seriously good with a white shirt and navy blazer.  The green ones remind me of one of my favourite menswear style photos ever.

A also frequently wears a pair of white jeans, but they wouldn’t photograph without looking like an x-ray.  You’ll have to use your imagination.

7.  Belt #1

Or #1 and #2 if you can’t get quite as lucky - for you see, this one is reversible.  It’s black saffiano leather on one side and chocolate brown on the other.  (Apologies for the seriously poor photo that makes both of these facts sort of hard to see.)  The buckle is classic and can be dressed up or down.

You need both black and brown belts if you have black and brown shoes.  As far as casual wear is concerned, a brown belt goes better with sneakers than a black one does, in my opinion.

This belt is from Marcs.

6.  The charcoal suit

This should be your second suit purchase.  It’s almost as versatile as navy, and if you buy well it will stay with you for many years.  Buy it a weight of fabric most appropriate for your climate - here in Australia, a tropical weight wool is the most sensible option.

Second verse, same as the first - the same rules of fit apply as with the navy suit.  Make sure the shoulders are perfect; get the rest tailored if you must.  Looks good with pretty much every colour in shirts and accessories.

5.  The sweaters

Egads, these look practically transparent when they’re backlit.  They’re thin, but they’re warm.  They’re from Uniqlo, which my years of study tells me is Japanese for “cheap knitwear”.  These ones are superfine merino but cashmere would be an even better option.  Cheap cashmere pills pretty quickly though so it’s worth spending more or going vintage should you choose to go down that path.  Anyway, these are in dove grey and navy, which are really the only two colours you’ll need.