ALL IN THE DETAILS: Casual Decoded

Menswear is far from simple, despite what some Fashionistas/os will tell you. I will say, however, that the men of the world have a divine gift which allows them (for the most part) to live, think and to always appear, simply effortless.

This casual look caught my eye for more reasons than one, but initially I was curious to know if he was at all aware that the color of his hoodie was in this season. In the blunt yet honest words of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, “it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff.” 

Alas, he jokingly did not know, but he did tell me that he chose this look based on the ease and practicality it provided. We can all relate to his Saturday Park Ave street style; although it might be hard to admit, it’s the one time you can allow yourself each week to keep your clothing comfortable versus appropriate or fashionable. This is also especially true when your busy schedule has you running around on campus all week long, both day and night for some. When the weekend arrives, you’re beyond ready to relax in any of the potential free time that lies ahead. In the hours after you wake on these luxurious mornings, before you have any plans—what you’re wearing is a mere depiction of your mood. The hidden messages behind the choice to wear a gray hoodie instead of a black one is a result of the subconscious role that color psychology plays. Not just gray but “nature’s most perfect neutral,” gray is a shade that’s timeless, quietly assuring, peacefully relaxing and above all, constant. So this outfit might just be my best example to date of men in their natural habitat, blissfully unaware of how well effortless always works for them.

“Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing.” This quote by Alexander Wang perfectly states what I’ve tried to capture and share with you in this article. This Fashionisto’s look, from fabric and fit, to his color choices and hairstyle, is a great visual depiction of his feelings while running Saturday errands in the city.

How To: The gray sweatshirt is a style classic and a must-have in these increasingly chilly months. Use it to add a modern twist to your work and leisure wardrobe. This is a wardrobe basic that gets even better with wear; try a North Face option, something totally opposite or even one without a hood. The rest is easy, take your favorite pair of denim or even joggers, pair them with loafers, sneakers or boots, an undershirt and you’re ready to go, or not, no judgement.

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