Menswear Worth Falling For
An autopsy of unimpeachable autumnal style.
Hi! I’ve been working a LOT this month (still always open to NYC opportunities and free stuff ;)), so I’ll keep this short up top—I haven’t seen much exciting menswear (in this newsletter, as you know, that’s code for clothes I feel are more masc-leaning but would look good on literally anyone) chatter looking forward to fall (I know it’s still August, and I love summer, but I’m trying to make a habit of planning ahead a bit more), so I figured I’d throw my perspective in the ring, pulling inspiration from everyone from Nic Cage to Cary Grant. I hope you enjoy today’s post!
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Roots reggae legend Horace Andy was painfully adorable in the 70s (and has aged supremely), and this outfit formula is absolutely foolproof: a casual suit/matching set in a saturated color over a button-down in a darker, complimentary neutral (chocolate and cerulean is an S tier combo), and a skinny belt, neckerchief, and baseball cap all in similar shades of black or white. Remember when they shaved that Top Model’s tooth gap wider and then she didn’t win? I see the siren-like charm of the gap now.
Russian dancer and choreographer Rudolf Noureev exemplifies my idea that boat neck tops are one of the sexiest garments around for people of any gender, whether in a tight, fitted neutral paired with a flared pant (yes I know that’s a dance costume but the above with sneakers and a skinnier belt would rock my world), or…
…on a sweater, preferably patterned. I could do without the leather cap but he makes it work.
Andre 3000 was wearing the thicker tank/scoop neck vest over a boxy tee decades before everyone in Bushwick adopted the combo—he’s wearing chains, but I think this would look just as good with a tangle of irregular pearls, possibly by the master Presley Oldham.
This is the ultimate “I would rather not be alive but the show must go on” fall going-outfit recipe: nylon pants, cool, slim sneakers, a white tee, and a calf-length, flowy black trench coat + no head accessories. I’ve never seen someone in this outfit and not wished I were less deliberate about my night’s look.