Wardrobe overhaul in progress. Please guide.
I have been wearing the same style of clothes I used to wear in college. (well, mostly). Now that I'm 37, I've come to appreciate cleaner silhouette and minimalist outfits that look effortless. I stay in Stockholm and I guess the Nordic fashion sense has got to me as well. But not to such an extent that I wear only black. I love colors. I'm a slim physique (how would someone look if they had muscles and some disease got to them and they are still fit but skinny, I'm that guy. But lately I have developed a small belly bump. Damn, office job) type person 5'10.
I have a longish neck, so anything will collar suits be better. I love jackets and have recently started buying overshirt because they are so versatile and gives my slim body some volume. I still wear my slim fit jeans and trying to experiment with regular straight fits (going with the trend) However I can never wear those oversized pants or tees. Not my style. I have short hair with fade if that helps.
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16 Replies
So I'm getting rid of most of my old clothes and redesigning my wardrobe. Have light and deep blue jeans, white tee, gray hoodies, olive overshirt, tan chinos (regular fit), flat sole Nike sneakers, New balance sneakers, Timberland 6inch combat boots in black, one light linen casual shirt, one classic blue stripe on white linen casual shirt (both from Zara) and two trucker denim jackets (black and tan). I also have a couple of solid color sweatshirts (blue, white, grey) without collar but that's for winter. An olive color parka for snowy days.
I have another biker / bomber jacket hybrid (in black) that's super comfortable with raised collar that looks super cool on me. But I've been wearing that since eternity. It's in all my pics over the years.
Now I'm looking to buy a deep blue or olive field jacket, a couple of overshirts in different texture and style so that I can pair them with shirts or tees. And maybe another chino. Planning to buy a pair of brown blucher mocs.
What else should I buy? I feel a bit lost because wardrobe overhaul is tough. I go to office everyday so I need a change of outfit atleast. It's a casual office, people come in shorts too. So that's not a problem.
All suggestions, critique are welcome! 🙏🏼
Do you have pictures of things you like or want to achieve?
Nothing in general. But mostly looking to get things in solid colors that I can mix and match and create different outfits. I'm most comfortable in something like this. Light jacket/overshirt on tee on jeans or chinos and sneakers.
It sounds like you have a relatively clear idea of what you want and a shopping list. So my main advice is to move slowly and don't buy too much at once.
Look into chore coats. Seems like they could work well for you
Thanks, that's good advice. I will just pick one thing today. I came shopping but got overwhelmed.
Do you mean something like these: https://www.gq.com/story/the-best-chore-coats-for-men
Like the look of the. Any particular brand that makes good stylist ones?
GQ
Meet the Hard-Wearing French Jacket America Perfected
Sure, the chore coat originated in France—but these days, the tough, handsome layer feels more all-American than apple pie and blue jeans.
A lot of brands make them right now. I have one from Vetra that I like, about $200.
Looks nice. Are these the ones:https://www.vetra.fr/en/french-workwear-dungaree-mens-jackets/2566-workwear-herringbone-cotton-linen-jacket-made-in-france.html#/2-size-42/17-colour-khaki
VETRA : VĂŞtements de Travail depuis 1927
Linen & Cotton herringbone fabric workwear jacket - VETRA since 1927
Casual workwear herringbone fabric. Vétra's jacket are 100% Made in France since 1927. It's a genuine and a must-have best-seller! fiskbensväv jacke
I have one from Alex Crane (their Kite Jacket) around the same price point that I’ve been wearing for 3+ years and love, it’s good correctly sized or sized up for a slightly oversized fit. I’ve had ones from Wallace & Barnes and Portuguese Flannel that were great.
If you’re buying outside of the list you’ve identified (and having a list is great, keeps you from spending 40 hours a week scrolling through listings like some of us) I’d recommend buying secondhand if possible so you can experiment more cheaply
https://malefashionadvice.substack.com/p/secondhand-shopping-guide-motivation
this is a nice guide on buying secondhand also!
Secondhand Shopping: Guide, Motivation, and Inspiration
This guide comprises three parts. The first part, the practical side, will talk about the various ways to buy secondhand, specific recommendations, and general tips to find great pieces. The second part, the philosophical side, will talk about the benefits of buying secondhand and the various reasons that it's a great option. The third part is a...
Have never tried second hand. From where I come (not Sweden), clothes were usually so cheap growing up, formed a habit of buying new. But I totally get the sustainablity part of buying second hand and also that there's room for experimentation at a more cost effective price point. Will give it a shot.
I saw a few chore jackets and overshirts at Zara, Arket and Uniqlo today and for some reason the Azara quality is the worse of the three. Arket is a bit expensive but feels worth it, Uniqlo feels most VFM.
I am cautiously optimistic that between eBay and vinted you can find cheaper, better quality clothes than at any of those 3 options 🙂
This looks nice https://alexcrane.co/products/kite-jacket-lines
Alex Crane
Kite Jacket / Lines
A yarn-dye striped jacket made with sustainably-grown French linen and washed with biodegradable softeners. The buttons are made with corozo, a Brazilian nut known as "plant ivory." The jacket features two front pockets and an interior breast pocket. [Size Chart] Fits true to size. Juan Pablo & Sam are 5'10" and
I just realized they have a Kite and and Kite Canvas jacket, I have the latter!
The kite canvas one looks even better. Nice!