Mixing patterns is a fun way to make an otherwise staid outfit interesting. But do keep in mind that once you take the leap, you should always choose pieces in the same color family. By doing so, the entire look maintains a refined but relaxed appearance. The maximum number of patterns to have on without overwhelming the eye is two. This way, there isn’t a battle for attention. Try not to match patterns heavily, and break them up with solid pieces to balance out the visual concentration. Also, take into account that some patterns are so understated; they may even be considered neutral. So, you may opt for a white oxford shirt paired with a Fair Isle sweater vest and a tweed or herringbone jacket.

What does the term smart casual mean?

Smart casual is a newer type of dress code that allows you to show up to an event outfitted in slightly more casual attire than a suit. But make no mistake, even though the dress code requires less, you should still look sharp. A collared shirt with a pair of chinos is a good starting-off point, and depending on the event, you can trade in your chinos for denim. If you decide to wear denim, you should opt for a sports jacket or navy blazer to make it less “casual” and more “smart.” Do away with sneakers and stick to loafers or lace-up brogues to punctuate your look.

How can I incorporate color into my otherwise conservative work attire?

There are various ways to add color to an office look without breaking convention. First of all, try switching out white shirts for either solid-colored shirts or shirts with stripes or checks. Next, add a patterned or brightly colored tie or pocket square to break up an otherwise dull suit and add dimension without flouting tradition. Lastly, incorporate socks in eye-catching colors and/or patterns to immediately create personality in your overall look.

Is there a difference between a sport coat and a blazer?

The simple answer is yes. There are characteristics and qualities that are exclusive to each, though it’s become common and acceptable to use the terms interchangeably. Some things to look for in a classic sport coat are weightier fabrics (think tweed, corduroy, wool, cashmere) and flapped pockets. Blazers tend to be more casual by nature, typically offered in cotton, lightweight wools and silk. Blazer pockets don’t necessarily have flaps and tend to skew towards the casual. However, with the hybrid jackets out there today and so many modern design elements, these traditional rules have become somewhat hackneyed. We recommend focusing less on what you call it and more on how you wear it.

What’s the difference between chinos and khakis?

Though nowadays the two words are used interchangeably, there is a difference. Chino refers to the densely woven cotton fabric—a misnomer of “China,” the fabric‘s country of origin. Khaki, from the Hindu-Urdu word for “dust-covered,” refers to hue, and was adopted into English in the late nineteenth century when British soldiers occupied the subcontinent. The two terms were likely confused when khaki-colored chinos became standard issue doughboy uniforms during World War I. Millions of surplus pants were snapped up by returning GIs and students after World War II, and khaki has remained the most popular color of chinos ever since.

What’s a new way to wear black and brown together?

When properly executed, the combination of black and brown is a very modern and sophisticated look that’s instantly elegant. Start by adding touches of brown via accessories: the hint of a leather belt beneath a black cardigan or suede boots under slim-fitting pants. This season, even classic outerwear has brown leather details for a timeless look with a contemporary edge.

What’s the best way to put together a classic look for an evening on the beach?

Even though the summer days can be scorching, evenings often require a little layering for comfort. A light cashmere sweater in a neutral tone is perfect with a classic oxford in pink, blue or yellow, whether draped over the shoulders, tied around the waist or worn traditionally when the sun finally goes down. Match this with a pair of worn-in, sun-faded khakis and a simple brown belt for the classic Pudu look of summer. And leave the shoes in the car and roll up those pants—you never know when you might want to wade in.

Which shirts can be worn untucked and which should always be worn in?

All shirts classified as dress shirts should always be tucked in. Typically, a dress shirt will be more structured and crafted using finer cottons for sheen and softness. A simple indicator of a “dress shirt” is the sizing style--dress shirts will always be sized with a number indicating neck size and sleeve length, which provides a more customized fit that requires tucking. When it comes to sport, or casual, shirts a general rule to follow is this: always tuck in shirts with a rounded bottom hem; shirts with a flat, or square bottom hem (like polos) give you the option of wearing them tucked or untucked.

What types of shoes are best for the sockless look?

This iconic summer look first came into style during the 1950s, when loafers were popular among men on vacation who wanted a break from their city shoes. It has stayed popular since then, and bare ankles are still one of our favorite ways to express casual ease in warmer weather. To accomplish this, choose a pair of shoes that don’t come up too high on your foot: drivers, deck shoes and loafers are all a natural choice, as their low profile and long foot opening will expose the right part of your ankle and create harmony with rolled jean cuffs or a tailored pair of chino shorts. For a new office outfit, select a pair of oxfords or bucks that fall low on your heel. Wearing these sans socks, along with a lightweight suit and a colorful tie, will transition sartorial style into summer. With all of these options, keep color in mind: Tanned ankles are preferable over bright white ones—and few things look better with a tan than rich brown leather in shades ranging from light gold to deep mahogany.

What should I wear to a summer wedding?

Choosing the right ensemble for a summer wedding is dependent on the invitation’s suggested attire, the time of the day and the venue. For the most formal occasions—those at night (indoors or outdoors)—select a trim suit in a dark shade, then lighten the style for summer with a white or pastel shirt and a silk knit tie in a vivid hue like orange or turquoise. For slightly more casual occasions (like an outdoor wedding in the late afternoon), tailored linen pieces are a great way to celebrate the occasion while staying cool. Forego the jacket in favor of a vest and highlight the texture of the linen with a madras tie in your favorite plaid. For the most casual weddings—backyard affairs, country escapes and so on—take cues from the personal style of the bride and groom to help inform your decision. That said, a classic look created from tailored chinos, an oxford shirt and a summery printed tie will give you the most flexibility: Tweak the pieces through wedding season to incorporate boldly colored chinos, patterned bow ties or shirts with contrast collars to add your own spin on timeless style for each new summer occasion.

What is the history of madras plaid?

While many perceive madras as the plaid print iconic of summer styles, the term actually refers to the airy cotton fabric that dates back to the 1200s. The cloth originated in Madras, now called Chennai, a city in southeastern India famous for being the epicenter of hand-woven fabrics. There, the craftsmen used brilliant dyes and uneven yarns to create beautiful plaids that spread to the rest of the world through trade agreements, specifically with the West Indies. The Indian fabric reached the United States in the 1930s, as Americans began travelling to those islands and turned to madras shorts, shirts and blazers to re-create a resort look at home. Soon, coeds heading to college campuses embraced madras, and it became associated with the classic Ivy League style.

How can I dress for the office when it is very warm outside?

To prepare for summer, focus on lightweight pieces that you can add or remove as you commute to a climate-controlled environment. To start, choose your work staples—dress shirts, trousers and suits—in breathable fabrics like linen, cotton chino or oxford cloth that will keep you cool and at east throughout the day. If you typically wear a suit to work, invest in cotton twill, summer-weight linens and featherweight worsted wools (sometimes called “tropical weight”), which will allow air to circulate better than tweeds or heavier wools. If your office tends toward casual dressing in the summer months, consider wearing these new suits with polo in white or navy for a pulled-together, all-American look. In the most casual offices, you can pair the same polo or a dress shirt with a pair of chinos in a bright spring color, rolling the cuffs just above your ankle for a look that’s a strong option when shorts are not. Keep a lightweight crewneck or cardigan at your office in the event you get cold, but now is the time pack and store your sweaters, coats and heavier suits. Don’t forget to dry-clean them first, especially since many launderers will preserve your apparel with tissue or in boxes at no charge.

What is a trouser “break”?

The “break” in one’s trousers is the amount of fabric that rests over the instep of one’s shoes. Traditionally, trouser breaks may be a quarter, half or full inch although a full break can often create an impression of droopiness. The shoes you wear with a certain pair of trousers will sometimes determine the type of break required. For example, heavy-soled, chunky or bulbous toe shoes require a longer break than narrow, streamlined loafers.

What is the "rise" on pants?

The rise is the measured distance between the top of a trouser leg’s inseam to the top of a trouser’s waistband. Suit and dress trousers have a slightly higher rise than casual pants, which means the waistband sits at the waist (which is just below your navel), providing an elegant and flattering silhouette for most men. Denim-constructed pants tend to have a lower rise, thus sitting closer to the hips, where they allow the wearer greater ease of movement.

What is always smart and stylish with jeans?

Denim is the modern man’s de facto uniform, lending itself to both rugged-casual looks and the dark, dressy styles of urban denizens. If you’re investing in new jeans, demonstrate their versatility with these wearable looks: Smarten up by pairing dark indigo jeans with a white oxford and narrow navy tie. For a more colorful approach, replace the oxford with a gingham shirt in baby blue. Go preppy with a medium-wash straight leg, seersucker blazer, pink or white oxford and madras tie and brown loafers (no socks). For casual weekends, nothing beats the comfort of a soft cashmere hoodie over a colorful tee with washed, worn-in jeans.

How can I wear white in the winter months?

During the cool seasons, it’s all about mixing shades. Remember that whites can range from pale, muddled grays to a yellow tint; take advantage of that variety for the easiest way to lighten your wardrobe. Start by layering a pure white oxford shirt with an ivory or pale gray sweater to set the foundation. Go for a heavier fabric in the sweater to ensure you look season appropriate. From there you can add a white hat or scarf or even a pale gray sport coat.

What are some rules for creating looks, other than suits, that can go from day to evening?

If you’re not going to work in an office that requires a man wear a suit, taking a look from the office to the party can almost be more challenging. To make it work for you find the right combination of sportswear and tailored pieces to create a sharp look that is sleek, but also casual. For example, a sleek leather jacket pairs equally well with a white dress shirt, knit tie and slacks as it does with jeans and boots. Depending on your office dress code choose the best look for you and you’ll be in perfect shape for an evening on the town, too.

What is regulation golf clothing?

It depends on the particular course you are playing, but most private clubs require your shirts have both a collar and sleeves. The length of short is also usually designated as needing to be Bermuda length. Jeans and cut offs are not acceptable at most private clubs; keep them for more casual events. Some people like to stick closer to the classics. However, today there is much more flexibility in golf clothing, so it really depends on your personal style. From the early days of the game, golf clothes incorporated plaids, argyles and madras checks. These patterns are still prominent in today’s golf styles. Try a combination of classic styles and colors with fresh looks like stripes and patchwork. We think choosing the best styles and putting them together with the right pieces is what’s important.

I’m starting a new job and the dress code is smart-casual -- what does that mean and how do I dress for it?

Smart, dressed down, business casual. Call it what you want, the demise of 9-to-5 suit-and-tie style has left a sea of office dressing don'ts in its wake. On the plus side, it sounds like the laid-back powers that be in your personnel department have given the green light for jeans. But rather than going down-market like your clothing-challenged colleagues, keep your denim dark and dress it up with blazers, button-downs and slim-lined neckties. In warmer weather Linen shirts with well cut pants spell class.

I see shirts that are described as 80s, 100s, and 120s—what's the difference? Is one softer than the other?

These numbers actually refer to the yarn size that the fabric is woven with. The higher the number, the finer the yarn (and usually the more expensive the cloth). If it is softness that you're looking for, I would suggest you try any of our washed shirts—these undergo a special wash process that makes them supersoft and comfortable.