The Versatile Burgundy Suit

As for those of you who don't know, I’m a huge fan of the color burgundy. It looks regal, confident, mature and flatters just about any skin tone.

Lately it’s also one of the most popular colors in menswear, so I couldn’t resist putting together a burgundy suit.

It’s more versatile than you might think – here’s three ways to wear it.

1. Formal Event

Burgundy is a terrific color for evening wear. It’s subtle and looks especially regal in a dimly lit room.

It also looks very sleek against black accessories.

2. Date Night

The best outfits, in my opinion, come down to simple pieces in solid colors that compliment each other.

No gimicks, no pattern matching, just the simple use of colors that flatter each other and don’t distract from the subject. Simple, mature, rakish.

3. Office Chic

Trying to be the most dapper guy at the office? The dark burgundy jacket will work with all your other suit trousers – navy, grey, khaki, brown, etc.

Thanks for reading.





Credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 2010s: The Evolution of Style Online

2010s: The Evolution of Style Online

The 2010s have brought us the evolution of the “fashion star”. Fashion bloggers have become mainstream. On the one hand, suddenly fashion is in the hands of the people, producing a larger variety of styles, reviews, and opinions than ever before. On the other hand, those being watched are naturally encouraged to try harder and harder to stand out from the crowd. “Peacocking” became a menswear term in the early part of the decade for “trying too hard”, although men have generally become more confortable with subtle, tasteful styling. 

This period also marked the widespread acceptance of online shopping. Style enthusiasts from all over the world now have access to more brands than ever, from the convenience of their homes. The internet also allowed for more start-up brands than ever, marketed using social media and funded with online resources like kick-starter. In a way, we’re starting to see the re-surgence of the small brand, fueled by the power of the internet and the desire for consumers to have something limited and exclusive. The best part is, middle men are getting cut-out every day. Department stores, who’s business is marking-up goods that have already been marked-up by the wholesaler, are losing their stranglehold on the market as designers now have a scalable solution to sell their products directly to their consumers.

Ultimately my hope for the future of menswear is that we can get back to the ideals of classic dress established in the 1930s, and gradually add personal influences from there. Its starts with understanding that there is one style that is best suited for each of us…our bodies, our lifestyles, our personalities, etc. Sure there is plenty of variation within that one style, but it shouldn’t require purchasing a new wardrobe every season, but rather adding well-made items to a lifetime collection of beautiful pieces that properly present, and represent, the wearer.




credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - 1900s: Tall, Long & Lean

1900s: Tall, Long & Lean

As we moved into the 1900s men’s clothing was predominantly utilitarian and rather unimaginative. The long, lean, and athletic silhouette of the late 1890s persisted, and tall, stiff collars characterize the period. Three-piece suits consisting of a sack coat with matching waistcoat and trousers were worn, as were matching coat and waistcoat with contrasting trousers, or matching coat and trousers with contrasting waistcoat. 

Trousers were shorter than before, often had “turn-ups” or “cuffs“, and were creased front and back using the newly-invented trouser press. 

credit: Dan Trepanier

A Brief History of Men’s Style - Late 1800s: Last of the Victorians

We’ve said it time and time again, menswear is ruled by history and tradition. Every person in menswear (designer, stylist, editor, etc) has taken inspiration from the past at one time or another. And no era has been overlooked.

Therefore, as we continue to explore the foundations of personal style, I thought we’d take a quick look back at the last hundred-or-so years in men’s fashion. Perhaps this will provide a little insight or context as to how menswear shifts, and more importantly, how we can make informed decisions when it comes to buying clothing and developing personal style.

Late 1800s: Last of the Victorians

As the nineteenth century came to an end men were slowly shaking-off the Victorian influence which still had them wearing tophats, frock coats, and pocket watches while carrying walking sticks. This may seem like an elaborate and restrictive way to dress, but it was a big step in the right direction considering the Georgian period that proceeded it had men wearing feathers, panty hose, and high heels. And you thought you were a “dandy”.

credit: Dan Trepanier