Page 34 - Esquire - USA (Winter 2020)

the Code: Show Your Colors

THE BLAZER isn’t a biker but a blazer
Try it oversize to change (which nowadays is as
up the feel. And don’t likely to be made by
THE RUGBY be afraid of brass buttons. the streetwear-friendly
SHIRT brand Rowing Blazers

Forget the oxford or the skate-infused
(for now). A striped label Noah as by J. Press
rugby shirt gives
the whole look a or Brooks Brothers).
graphic punch-up. The approach, though,
is all about going for it,
rules be damned. So
if you’re looking to give
your prep staples a shot
in the arm, do it. Take
those brands and mix
’em all together. Launch
the colors into high-
lighter territory. And
feel free to play with big-
ger fits and extra layers.
Even with some two-
tone loafers (beloved by
both groups!), you won’t
be mistaken for any kind
of actual punk. But don’t
be surprised if you earn
a nod from one or two
for your commitment to
convention smashing.
—Jonathan Evans

Blazer ($895) by Polo
Ralph Lauren; sweaters
($525 each) by Paul Stuart;
THE SWEATER rugby shirt ($70) by Lands’
End; trousers ($500)
It’s all about the by F. E. Castleberry.
color here. Think
bright...then
go even brighter.
THE CORDS
A wide wale is the way to go.
Add a big ol’ cuff to match.

DO IT FOR THE (MONO)GRAM

• • • Say you give your dad a really nice Goyard are getting a stylistic boost anyway. (See above.)
bag for the holidays, or possibly just because The right kind of monogram—nice but not
he’s great. (How thoughtful!) Pops loves it. too fancy, bold but not too brash—is one more
It’s tasteful. Useful. Easy on the eyes. He stuffs way to personalize your style. You can get it
it with so much...dad stuff. But then he gets on that bag, a Smythson notebook, a wallet from
to the airport-security line and he’s right next to Lotuff, and beyond. Best part? Most luxury
another guy with the same bag. (Fancy airport!) shops will add a monogram in-house. Don’t be
Maybe he grabs that other guy’s bag. Or maybe afraid to get creative, either. Elvis had the letters
he just doesn’t feel special all of a sudden. Either TCB (Taking Care of Business) monogrammed
way, we can’t have a sad dad. Fortunately, on practically everything he owned, from his
there’s a solution. And it involves getting personal. stationery to his private jet. Just be sure
Yeah, I’m talking monogramming. But it’s you really love whatever you’re monogramming.
not only for cheap flasks you buy online, nor is it Once something is personalized, a return is
solely the domain of preppy traditionalists, who pretty much out of the question. —D.D. Backpack by Goyard.

30 Winter 2020_Esquire photograph (top): Timothy Mulcare