Even on a gray November afternoon, there’s just no room for the blues. This Fashionisto knows that fighting dreary weather can sometimes mean drawing out the hues that make the weather seem so grim. Taking vibrant peacock blue and mixing it seamlessly with crisp grays, his finely detailed outfit pushes away the clouds hanging over the dimly lit day.
Name: Ryan Twardzik
Major: Industrial Design
Year: Freshman
College Fashionista: What are you wearing?
Ryan Twardzik: I've got a good mix of brands going on in this outfit. Starting from the bottom: monk strap shoes by Johnston & Murphy, corduroy 511 pants by Levi Brand Jeans, wool sweater vest by J.Crew, shirt by Mastai Ferretti, tie by Penguin, blazer by Patrizia Pepe, and a vintage 1957 watch by Hamilton.
CF: What inspired your outfit today?
RT: It was gray outside, so that kind of gave everything a blue hue. That, combined with the fact that it's a chilly fall day, helped me construct my outfit. I played off of the blues and found clothes that would also keep me warm.
CF: How do you prepare your wardrobe for winter?
RT: I'm from Pennsylvania, so winter is something I'm used to. I've started layering, wearing sweaters, and making good use of blazers to combat the cold.
CF: What challenges to guys face to be stylish, and how do you approach those challenges?
RT: Guys for some reason just don't put style as a priority. With men's style, there are a lot more subtleties than with women's, and I think a lot of guys just aren't brave enough (or don't care enough) to explore it. To overcome this, I just delve into it. Being the youngest of my family, I developed an appreciation for fashion and style earlier than most guys do, which has allowed me to explore and understand and develop my own personal style. Also reading different blogs and magazines helps me to become more creative.
CF: What is the number one thing for guys to remember when choosing an outfit?
RT: I'd say just don't be scared. There's nothing wrong with dressing well, I know I feel a lot more comfortable and confident when I wear outfits that look good. Also, try to stay away from shirts that look like they were tailored to fit a very large box.
How To: This Fashionisto’s outfit is all about colors, textures and details. Ryan pays close attention to shades of blue, ensuring that each shade complements the others. He’s even able to draw out the thin stripes in his gray sport coat. The texture of his coat also creates a striking combination with his sweater vest and corduroy pants.
To emulate this Fashionisto’s monochromatic look, choose a color like navy or gray that can be built upon with other layers. Taking each piece separately, corduroy pants can be a fantastic option for Fashionistas and Fashionistos facing cold winter months. Look for a pair like these from Brooks Brothers in an on-trend shade of burgundy. If color seems too daunting, choose a neutral tan or brown instead. Sweater vests are an easy way to spruce up a basic shirt, and they offer just the right amount of warmth between the fall and winter seasons. Try a basic color, or go bold with burgundy and other fall hues. Top off your outfit with a neutral sport coat; patterns like this light houndstooth print from Dockers or this darker version from Lauren Ralph Lauren will allow maximum versatility in incorporating other shades. Ensure that no detail goes overlooked by including a tie to complement your colors and pocket square to match.
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