What is your take on dress boots, which styles are the best, what brands, colors and most importantly the best boots for the cheapest price? – Ivano
I love boots and my favorite pair are the Crockett & Jones Conistons. They are super versatile and look good with almost anything. Brogue boots are great but I think a plain cap-toe boot looks nicer (and it is much more dressier). When investing in a pair of boots try to buy the absolute best you can afford. I would recommend getting some boots from the Tricker’s eBay store. Look for the Stows or the Super Boots. Again, I would not recommend you skimping when buying these types of boots. Usually boots of a lesser quality look cheap and tacky. You should be prepared to drop some cash on a nicer pair.
Thoughts on suspenders and braces? -DRT
I have some pants with suspender buttons and was a huge fan of braces a few years ago. I do love the idea of having suspenders instead of a belt. However when I was wearing them, it was a hassle to go number two with them. You need to take off your coat, jacket, sweater then pull down the suspenders. Huge pain in the ass. In the summer you just want to be naked and suspenders bother me. If you are feeling them and don’t mind the hassle, go for it. Just stay away from clips. I hate clip suspenders, even the nicer ones. You should just put in suspender buttons and wear the real deal.
Do you know this guy?
– P
Unfortunately, yes. Thanks for the tip.
Where would you suggest I cop some popovers? – Marcus
Personally, I am not the biggest fan of popovers. I like my shirts with a full placket. Try Engineered Garments and Gitman Brothers Vintage. The Engineered Garment shirts are usually quite short and are a pain to tuck in, nonetheless they are fantastic.
I am wondering whether you have any experience with the Thom Browne cable knit cardigan and whether they fit smaller than other Thom Browne items? I’m usually between TB 2/3 for shirts and polos. Would a TB 4 in the cable knit cardigan be too big? Thanks. – Anon
I am not sure if you are referring to the cashmere ones or the wool ones. I only have one cable knit turtleneck sweater from Thom Browne which is made in Great Britain. It’s the same sizing as the shirts (size 0). I would think that the size 4 could work on you as they do run quite small. If it is a cashmere sweater and it is made in Scotland, then pull the trigger on it. It should fit you fine.
What goes with the Thom Browne brogues in grey suede? Can you rock them with a black suit? And do you know if Thom Browne is releasing any classic brogues this season? – Anon
I am assuming you are talking about the gray suede brogues with the tri-color sole. These are very casual and I do not recommend wearing them with a black suit. Try a gray Thom Browne shorts suit or khaki chinos and a blue oxford. Again, he gray suede brogues are very casual and may not work with overly dressy outfits (especially black). I am sure that they are releasing black brogues this season. They usually always have them in stock.
I saw a photo of you with Casey as you two are walking somewhere in Pitti. Can you provide a breakdown of what Casey’s wearing? Hope you’re having a good time there and appreciate the Pitti updates to WYM. Also, I saw you in Chinatown a couple of weeks ago and said hi. I appreciate you being cool about it. – E
I assume you are talking about this picture. Casey is wearing a Ralph Lauren Black Label spread collar shirt, a red Andrea Campagna summer-weight cashmere blend jacket, Incotex Chinolinos, Dita sunglasses and Sifr sneaker slippers. For those who don’t know who Casey is, he will be doing a lot on the Why You Mad?! tumblr. Be sure to check it out. You can always say hi to me, sometimes I may be in a rush or somewhat busy and I may seem unwelcoming (not on purpose).
Hi Austin, I am looking for some worldwide advice. Different opinions for what is going around us. I am headed to a summer wedding soon and as I don’t like suits very much. I was wondering if I could wear (with taste and harmony) a blazer with slacks. I want my “spezzato” to be more individualized and different. I dont want to be wearing the same obvious suit, even though every man wears a suit to a wedding. I would only change the color for my spezzato and will mix different tones of the same color. For example, different blues for the trousers and jacket. I want to hear your opinion as you are a well dressed person and I’m sure you can help me more with my issue. Compliments for your outfit at Pitti. Thanks – Pietro
I am always glad when people do their own thing and are willing to try different things. Weddings are always tough and you do not want to offend or disrespect your hosts. I do not find it a problem that you want to wear a jacket and odd trousers. Doing the whole different shades of a certain color (more specifically, gray and navy) works most of the time. I say go for it. If you are daring, try it with some shorts. It’s hot out this time of the year.
Any idea where I can find a nice blue blazer with white trim on the lapels for $500 or so? – Edwin L
That is a toughy. I am not familiar with many companies who make quality white trimmed blazers except Thom Browne and Brooks Brothers Black Fleece. I suggest you check out eBay for a previous season piece.
I have a quick question about Thom Browne’s sailboat trousers this season. Do you happen to know how they are fitting? Usually between a size 2 / 3 so trying to figure out which size to order. – Steven T.
I am sure they fit like most of the new Japanese trousers. They are all very slim and fit very well. If you have any other Japan made trousers compare the sailboat ones to yours, they should be near identical sizing.
You’re in here somewhere – E
Thanks, I look pretty confused in the video.
Could you post more outfit pictures? I see some of them taked by street-style photographers, and they are very nice. – Hung Vu
You can check the tumblr for some candid shots of me. I will not be posting my own outfit pictures anymore and will only repost the ones taken of me during the fashion weeks and Pitti Uomo. Sorry
What are your thoughts on the Ralphie Varsity jacket by Shipley & Halmos this season? Do you believe this jacket will stay in style long enough for the $400 investment? As I think it could be a great fall staple. – Sam
If you want a varsity jacket then go for it. It is not overly expensive and it looks good. Varsity jackets are not the most versatile or warmest piece of clothing. Try looking for a field jacket, a light parka or safari jacket, something that you can integrate easily into your wardrobe. Varisty jackets are extremely casual and I see no way of dressing it up. You don’t want to have something that you can only wear with certain pieces. Check out this Wings + Horns light parka.
What kind of cigarettes do you smoke? In my experience, most smokers have a few brands we admire or identify with and a few we consider to be a little tacky or juvenile. Any thoughts? – Peter C
In New York, I smoke Nat Sherman Classic Blue. Nat Sherman is an American tobacco company that only sells in select smoke shops. Fortunately for me, their flagship store is in New York City and I would recommend them to most as they are medium mild tasting. When I am overseas, I smoke Camel Blue. I have yet to find a store that sells Nat Shermans for a reasonable price outside of the United States. Smoking is a very personal experience and everyone has their preferences. If you like Virginia Slims and you are a guy, you may look a bit funny. Who really cares, you should do it if you like it.
Hey, i am recently getting more into mens fashion, totally dumped my old closet and built a new one starting about a year ago. Now that summer is here I only have chinos, shorts and white Jack Purcells. I’m looking for something else to wear on my feet besides the Purcells and my Tom’s, what would you recommend? Also what are some good ties to start with for my collection? – Richard
If you are looking for sneakers, go with some Superga, they are a not as known here in the United States and are a great classic sneaker. I usually wear my crepe wingtips in the summer as they are extremely comfortable and light. If you are looking into a leather shoe, try and get some lighter ones. Light shoes are always a lot more comfortable and you really feel the difference in this heat. As for the ties, try some solids out. During my recent trip to Europe, I made the mistake by bringing no solid ties, but elaborate and bold patterns. I did not wear a single one. Go for some solid gray or navy ties.
Hey, first of all you are doing a great job with the blog, I am a huge fan.
I was wondering, if you can help me. I am naturally lanky, tall, have wide shoulders and skinny legs. What is, in your opinion, the best outfit for this type of body? Thank you very much for your help – Matt
I have a similar body type but, I am not that tall. Luckily for us, we can pretty much wear anything we want. The biggest problem I can see is that clothes will always be too big for you. You should try to slim everything down so that it all hangs very well. In all honesty, just wear what you like and find your own identity and embrace it.
Hey Austin. Congrats on being named a blog to watch. I started reading a couple of your posts and noticed you mentioned Uniqlo over and over again. I too am a near daily Uniqlo wearer (and set a goal to not buy any clothes — except shoes and accessories — from there this year. So far so good) and am glad you feature them. Keep up the great work. I plan to visit often. – Karl
Thanks. I am glad someone reads this blog. Uniqlo always give you the best bang for your buck.







