Light Layers of Fall, Part III: The Hoody

The days of cool Fall weather are quickly coming to an end, so I thought I should post this last installment of “Light Layers of Fall” before it gets consistently freezing outside.

We have a couple more “Light Layers of Fall” posts that we shot a while back as well, but I think due to the rapidly changing weather, I’d rather save them for “Light Layers of Early Spring”. Anyway, for this final edition I’m highlighting a very misunderstood, and underrated, piece : the hoody (or “hoodie”).

When most guys think of a hoody, they think grey fleece, XXL, a college football banner across the chest, and maybe a mustard stain or two. Of course a hoody is a great lounging piece because of its comfort and practicality, but it can be more than that. It can also be a great layering piece that is stylish rather than sloppy.

Here, three hoody looks that don’t scream fratboy.

1. Cashmere Pullover over Bowtie

Just because it’s a hoody doesn’t mean it has to be three sizes too big. I’m 6’1″ 190 lbs and this cotton/cashmere blend is a size Medium.

This is one of my favorite hoodys in my collection (also featured here). It’s fitted, simple, stretchy, comfortable, and navy blue. When in doubt, go with navy blue – it’s classic, subtle, dark but not formal, flattering on most skin tones, goes with just about everything, and it’s not very “notable” (meaning you can wear it several times without striking too much attention).

Hoody by Club Monaco (size M). Oxford shirt by Thom Browne (size 2). Gloves by Uniqlo. Cotton pants by Helmut Lang (size 34). Bowtie by Le Noeud Papillon. Suede wingtips by Bass. Striped socks by Kenneth Cole.

2. $10 Fleece Full-Zip + Tailored Trouser

The beauty of fleece hoodies: they are inexpensive, and sold just about anywhere. I picked up this one (in a couple different colors) a while back from a local sporting goods store. It was $10.

I often mix high-end pieces with more affordable ones in the same outfit. Similar to mixing formal and casual, I like the idea of blending high and low to create a unique, well curated, look. For example, everything in this outfit was under $50, with the exception of the pants which are part of a bespoke suit.

Hoody by Russel Athletic (size S). Shirt by American Apparel (size M). Down vest by Land’s End (size S). Vintage wool striped tie. Pants by MAB (custom made, my own design). Sneakers by Vans.

Also note: if they fit properly and are cut from the correct fabric, the trousers from your three-piece suit can easily transition to casual wear. They can even look great with a hoody and sneakers.

3. Full Zip + Tweed Jacket

A blazer (or suit jacket) layered over something as casual as a tank top can be a tricky look. A full-zip hoody is the perfect middle ground to compliment them and tie them together.

This is a great way to wear a suit jacket in a very casual setting. Like going to watch a sporting event type of casual.

Hoody by Cheap Monday (size S). Tweed blazer (part of this 3-piece suit) by MAB (custom made, my own designs). Tank top by Fruit of the Loom (size S). Jeans by APC (“new standard” 32). Gloves by Hilts and Willard. Watch by Montblanc. Linen pocket square from street fair years ago (I think). Suede wingtips by Bass.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Yours in style,

SB

Original source : http://www.thestyleblogger.com/light-layers-of-fall-part-iii-the-hoody/