Celebrity Saturday: James Dean

If there was any one person that was the embodiment of what The GQ look tries to emulate, it would be James Dean without a doubt. Yes, the men featured on the cover and within the pages of the menswear mag may be stylish and edgy, but for some, that's just a one and done shoot. James Dean lived in a rakish style that was most decidedly before its time, landing him in the rebel category. It always seemed as though he did things differently in a time where straight-edge was he norm; sport coats and tee shirts, ruffled and tossed hair, sometimes his tie wasn't on just right. Whatever it was, his true character shone through what he wore and if you were to bring him to the future right now, he would fit right in, the epitome of timeless.

Check in tomorrow for a recap of the week's topics and next Saturday for another stylish celebrity influence!

Threads for Thought: Shackets

With fall and winter style being so dependent on layering, many designers get free range over making everyday pieces brand new by introducing new fabrics and constructions to add to the layering effect. Sometimes this effort blurs the line between items,sometimes bad, but in this case is a very good thing.
At first glance, this item would appear to be straight from a Alaskan cabin or a Seattle grunge party, either way, it'll be essential to a cold weather wardrobe. The shacket, a shirt made of heavier materials or actually insulated, to create the ultimate layering piece. Bringing all the warmth of a jacket combined with the functionality and wearability of a shirt means it will function well in the cold and even act as a great transition piece for early spring.
Being that a shacket is so useful, its best to get a style that will easily transmit from winter to spring and next year when it comes time to change back into the fall. Neutrals and simple patterns will add to the layering capabilities and simplicity will make it wearable even when there isn't a coat over it. Make sure it has some pockets on it, to really send home that this isn't just a heavy shirt, it is very much a shacket; the pockets will come in handy too.
Ralph Lauren: $495
J. Crew: $168
Filson: $98
Check in tomorrow for this week's installment of Friday Faux Pas and next Thursday for another piece that deserves your consideration!

Friday Faux Pas: Too Short Pants

The trend has been toward tighter, shorter pants for years now, but only recently have the fashion forward begun to take this trend to some absurd levels. As with all things, moderation is the key, and in this particular case, very much needed.
What're you doing Cam?
NFL quarterback Cam Newton recently attended a post-game press conference in what appears to be a well tailored suit until you look down and nearly see his calves coming from the bottom of his trousers. These are what are known as high-waters or capris, and are otherwise going overboard in with the trend towards shorter pants. He isn't the only culprit in this debacle, but is certainly one of the most notable in the crowd. Ideally the bottom of the pants should break right at or, at most, an inch above the shoe. Taller men should go for the longer end of the spectrum while shorter guys will want to go higher on the ankle; the shorter then pants, the taller the man will look, but make sure to take into account the rule of thumb on the pant break.
This is how you do it!
Check in tomorrow for a stylish celebrity style influence and next Friday for another fashion faux pas!