Feeling a bit tightly wound lately? Perhaps it’s your necktie and suit. “Relaxed tailoring is a reaction against the buttoned-up bow tie type trend we’ve been seeing the last few seasons,” says our expert fashion stylist Kim Johnson. “This style allows room for personal touches, and is more realistic for the everyday man.” Think Mark Ruffalo, James Franco, Johnny Depp and even Mick Jagger.
“Whether it’s wearing a Timex your dad gave you when you were 16, rolling up the sleeves on your button down to reveal a tattoo or adding a striped or colorful sock, the details and subtleties are really what brings relaxed tailoring to life,” says Johnson. “But men should keep it simple, not be too self-conscious. If it’s a vintage tie clip, then don’t over accessorize in other areas. If it’s a flash of color with a pocket handkerchief, that’s chic, but if you have a colorful belt or tie, you end up looking like a clown.”
Our expert recommends adding one piece at a time to your look. “Perhaps a tee shirt under a blazer instead of a button down, or go without a tie but add a pocket square, or button the top button and leave off the tie. It’s about rule breaking but anything that makes you feel self-conscious is an automatic no. You should feel like you’re still wearing the clothes, not the other way around.”
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