I have always proclaimed that the secret of good menswear looks is layering. Layering is the key to feeling good about yourself, and to dress successfully, you need to feel good about your total outfit for the magic to work. Yes, the individual pieces are important, but what really makes guys love J.Hilburn is the ability to effortlessly combine items into great-looking outfits. Remember that even the most savvy and informed man occasionally finds himself stumped in front of the mirror when he tries to put individual pieces together to affirm a look—his look. At J.Hilburn, we know that a really important part of getting dressed is the confidence factor, which goes hand in hand with great fit and exceptional quality.
Color-connected through navy and camel, combining a small print and a plaid sportcoat—love this look
The nutmeg cashmere sweater looks rich and pops against the color and texture of the quilted blazer, while the plaid shirt picks up on both of these, helping connect the items
It is accepted that when a man puts together an outfit, he generally isn’t looking for crazy color combos. He’s looking for colors he can wear comfortably, with a preferred narrower palette than womenswear would use. Yes, I know there are a few great guys out there who love to experiment more but they, unfortunately, are the exceptions. This fact I can sustain after years of seeing sales figures when it comes to where the vast majority of men put their dollars season after season. They let themselves go a bit more where summer’s casual moments are concerned, but in the winter months, they are definitely more controlled. They also care a lot less about trends and fashion fixes, preferring to see their wardrobe as a good investment that of course needs periodic updates. Ultimately, most guys served by a J.Hilburn wardrobe that will work for them season after season.
The subtle color of the suit really gets illuminated when accented by a burgundy knit
This bold pattern really only works with solids; green and grey pieces make it more wearable
In menswear, any use of accent or “pop” colors is usually relegated to woven shirts and small details. Especially in a fall-winter palette, you may have a sweater or two with a bit of a pop, but your sportcoats and pants usually stay within limited, neutral color ranges: blues, greys, and an array of naturals from brown to sand. This doesn’t limit your options, but rather puts the focus elsewhere, with textures and patterns playing a vital role in creating interest. In menswear, detail and subtlety are key for making good fabric choices.
Naturals and greys work great with a bright layer underneath
So really when it gets down to putting the outfits together, the best styling tool we have is to layer outfits combining those colors, textures and styles, letting them play together in a harmonious symphony. Like a well-written musical score, each garment is like a section of the orchestra that plays its part to create a beautiful, unified sound. To do this in menswear, you need to get comfortable with layering. This means jackets over shirts, shirts under knits, jackets over knits that are over shirts, and so on.
This process can be fun and playful, and I have always found it really interesting that by just untucking a shirt or pulling out the cuff of a knit from under a jacket, the play of the pieces can change the overall look and feel of the outfit. Accessories can also factor in, with belts and footwear being really important elements in the final result. Add in the colder weather of fall and winter, and then we really have a great reason to layer even more, with vests and outerwear as easy go-tos for comfort, warmth and style.
A simple color combo lets the layers do the styling of hoods over collars
Pattern with pattern works when they are within the same color palette, but different scales, and putting a solid between the prints really ups the optics
The difference in textures of the knit and the tech vest adds interest while the similar color connects the two
In the Key Looks, I try to show you different ways to put the collection together. With each outfit, there are often multiple ways to show the versatility of individual pieces. I try to show how certain colorways and patterns can work against others, how a print can work with a plaid, or how a knit can be used instead of a sweater.
With each look, I imagine the things you do in your everyday life: such as showing up to the office, taking your family for a Sunday lunch, meeting friends for a drink, etc. When I imagine your lifestyle, it inspires me to create looks for all those occasions when you want look and feel your very best. The Key Looks can really help you unlock your outfitting to its fullest expression, and be sure to ask your Stylist to send you personalized style boards with new outfit ideas based on pieces you already own and what’s new this season. As the weather gets colder, I hope you experiment with different combinations and enjoy layering your custom-made pieces.
