Following my move to the other side of the Atlantic in Montreal for my studies, my wardrobe had to adapt slightly to local weather conditions (polar cold in winter and “tropical” heat in summer). And this, with a student budget.
I try my best not to fall into the boots and big parka combo + a bit bland, and to continue to assert my passion for men’s fashion regardless of the climate. In order to share with you my vision of this passion that we all have in common. Here are my ten favorite pieces, the ones that form the basis of my wardrobe.
White T-Shirt
The white t-shirt is, in my opinion, the most timeless basic of the male wardrobe [Editor’s note: his story was told here by Jordan ], it also makes up the majority of my outfits. I like its versatility and its vintage aspect which immediately gives its holder a James Dean style.
I wear a white T-shirt almost every day, whether to go to university with jeans and a pair of sneakers or in a slightly more chic look with high-waisted pleated pants and a pair of derbies.
I personally advise the models offered by Uniqlo and Gap, which run around 13 euros each and which I think are the best cut at the entry-level.
Raw APC Jeans
With my exponential passion for clothing, I am more and more interested in denim, the flagship piece of men’s wardrobe. When I speak of denim, I mean beautiful Japanese canvas, raw, and selvage.
I used to buy all my jeans from Levi’s, naively thinking that it was THE benchmark brand. What a mistake!
So I decided to go to the higher category and I asked Father Christmas to offer me a purist, with a straight cut to change my semi-slims.
I found my happiness at APC with the New Standard. Despite its cardboard fabric during the first ports, it quickly relaxed and became very comfortable. I usually wear these jeans with a casual shirt and sneakers, or with a white T-shirt and a nice pair of shoes.
Blundstone Boots
I am an unconditional fan of boots. Chelsea, chukka, or even jodhpur, I find that they enhance any outfit made up of basics. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to wear them when it snows for fear of ruining them.
While browsing through Montreal stores, I came across the Australian brand Blundstone [Editor’s note: Jordan selected them in this article ], the perfect alternative to keep your feet dry while remaining elegant. I bought them in September 2018, and I just fell in love with them.
Their design is simple, sleek and roots with this thick sole to combat slippery sidewalks. Wear it with jeans and a turtleneck to face snowstorms while remaining stylish.
HERMÈS Watch
I have always loved watches, but I hate everything bling and “did you see me”. I’m more on the side of discretion, that is to say, flat watches with a simple design with a beautiful leather strap.
My father gave me this magnificent Hermès as a gift on my 18th birthday. I haven’t left her since. I associate it with absolutely all my outfits, from the most formal to the most casual and it always has its small effect.
In addition to being very aesthetic, this object is dear to my heart for its emotional side.
Velvet Overshirt October Editions
During my stay in Paris this winter, I started looking for a nice overshirt in order to give character to my most casual outfits. I turned to the French brand Octobre Editions that I discovered on BonneGueule, which offers timeless and good quality basics.
This corduroy overshirt is great for winter: it is very warm, well cut and very versatile which is perfect for layering. I really like to wear it over a white T-shirt, with raw jeans and a pair of sneakers or shoes.
Cos Straight Coat
In my humble opinion, the straight coat is the elegant male piece par excellence. However, I was looking for one that was a bit out of the ordinary in order to stand out from the simple camel or gray overcoat that many men have.
I literally found my happiness at COS, a brand that I love for the simplicity of its pieces and its Japanese signature. This piece has the distinction of not having a collar, which makes me think of kimonos.
This piece is not so easy to wear, so I prefer to associate it with rather casual-chic looks: a cardigan, a white T-shirt, pleated pants and a pair of sleek sneakers.
Patagonia Jacket
When I arrived in Montreal, I bought a Canada Goose parka to fight the cold. It is not very original I grant you, but it is nevertheless effective. Unfortunately, I had it stolen from a nightclub a year later…
In order not to die of cold, I set my sights on a Patagonia jacket which combines as much style as comfort. I wear it all winter as well with a simple white T-shirt in the mildest weather as with a good turtleneck in the coldest weather. The bright yellow of this jacket gives character and warmth to my simplest outfits, which is not to displease me in winter.
Note from David: I am in favor of adding a stronger color to an outfit, especially if the other colors that compose it are soberer (blue, gray, white). As such, this yellow is interesting: differentiating but not too bright, garish.
UNIQLO Classic Socks
I really like to use a nice pair of socks to add style to my outfits, I find it really elegant and original.
I got mine from Uniqlo (around 9 euros for four pairs). I took them in all colors, from blue to fir green, through red and orange.
A beautiful pair of burgundy colored socks worn with jeans and white sneakers instantly brings an elegant and neat touch to my most sober outfits.
Be careful not to overload your outfit with colors, you will quickly look like a rainbow.
Monoprix Turtleneck Sweater
The turtleneck [which is the subject of an episode of Panache, note] is the part of my wardrobe that makes me wait impatiently for winter. I love the almost sartorial elegance that it brings to an outfit always with disconcerting ease. It is also the most pleasant sweater to wear in winter thanks to its enveloping collar which completely replaces a scarf.
This one comes from Monoprix, a brand that I know very little about. However, the speckled design of the sweater immediately caught my eye. Its versatility makes it as easy to combine with jeans as with pleated pants or chinos.
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