dressed down chinos

A friend of mine says he has been stuck in a jeans-only rut, despite the fact that he has this sweet pair of grey chinos calling out to him from his closet. He says he only pairs them with dressier shirts, so I told him I would dream up a few casual looks to mix up his jeans uniform. To add a little pattern to a solid henley and jean jacket, I threw in some patterned tanks. A note about the man tank: even if it isn't your thing as a stand-alone piece, they are great as layers that can add an accent to an otherwise solid look. 

(l): green henley, tank, chinos, sneakers
(r): striped tank, denim jacket, chinos, espadrilles

Left outfit total: $91.21

Right outfit total: $141.34

menswear: 2 ways to wear stripes

Asos* is having a sale right now, and among their hundreds of sale items are these two cool striped tshirts. I like these, not only because they make me think of sailors and France, but also because you can pair solid pants and minimal accessories and still come out with a fashionable, current look. On the left is a more traditional approach with tan chinos, and the right is a little saucier with a wraparound watch and skinny burgundy cords. 

grey stripe shirt, chinos, grey sneakers, canvas strap watch
navy stripe shirt, burgundy corduroys, navy chukka boots, wrap around watch

Grey outfit total: $141.76     

Navy outfit total: $158.16

*All items except the chinos are a part of Asos's sale. All the chinos I saw on Asos's site have this weird drop crotch I haven't been able to get on board with.