On the surface, The Frankie Shop best-sellers sound like a capsule closet 101 list: a blazer, T-shirt, jeans. But, as anyone who has ever shopped from the brand — which has stores in New York and Paris — knows, nothing about the offering is basic. The blazer is perfectly oversized, the tees are shoulder-padded, and the jeans have an adjustable waistband. It’s this attention to detail and cool factor that has made Gaëlle Drevet’s label a fashion-insider favorite since its launch nine years ago — and, as recently as last week, resulted in an exclusive The Frankie Shop x Moda Operandi collection. “When I started Frankie, I wanted to have modern, minimal fashion, what people would call Quiet Luxury now [laughs],” Drevet tells Refinery29. After a career in journalism, Drevet, who is French-American, opened the first store in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 2015. She says she created the brand “as a personal quest,” because “what I wanted to wear was missing” from the market.
It’s time for one of the most glamorous events of the year—the Cannes Film Festival. Every May, filmmakers, producers, directors, actors and other A-listers make their way to the French Riviera for 12 days of movie screenings, parties and, of course, plenty of glitzy red carpets and exciting fashion moments on La Croisette.
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14 to May 25, and we’re keeping you updated on all the best red carpet moments throughout the entire spectacle. Below, see the best-dressed looks from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.
With so many versatile ways to style dresses with sneakers, there’s only one rule of thumb with this outfit combination: If it feels right, go for it. And if you’re looking for some inspiration for classic and creative combos, look no further. Ahead, find 12 dresses and 12 sneakers that you can mix and match, and save for later.
Losing the office uniform has proven harder than it should be.
Dressing for a modern casual office can be surprisingly challenging. In some ways, the old business casual dress code made things easier. You want to dress well, without standing out in a bad way from others who may dress, in your opinion, too casual. How do you look like, “I got ready on purpose,” and not, as Tenacious D says, “It’s gig time, what t-shirt am I gonna wear?” But also not like a time traveler from 1998 business causal office? This outfit combines tactical choices and clean lines to strike that balance.
Dark Denim Button Up Shirt
The dark denim button up shirt is the backbone of this outfit. Its structured design offers a more refined appearance than a casual t-shirt alone, while still maintaining a casual vibe. Worn open, it doubles as a light jacket in spring, perfect for those in-between days when a heavier layer is too much. In many modern offices, where the norm leans towards t-shirts and polos, the denim shirt strikes the right middle ground. The unique details, like chest pockets, add a rugged touch that pairs well with the chinos.
Light Grey Chinos
The lighter grey chinos are particularly helpful to counter the other dark tones so the outfit doesn’t become too dark and heavy, which would still be a great look, but might be better suited for evening events.
Simple Black Pocket T-Shirt
Under the denim shirt, a simple black crew neck t-shirt adds a casual layer and tricks your casual colleagues into thinking you’re not more dressed up than they are. Mine is an off-the-rack faded black color, and is the darkest of the neutrals in the outfit.
A classic black leather strap watch is an understated touch of refinement without being flashy. This 3 hand hack watch is inspired by military field watches.
Dark Grey Boots
Sticking to a monochrome palette with varying shades is an easy way to make the outfit feel cohesive and put-together. This approach simplifies the process of looking stylish without relying on bold colors or patterns. It’s an easy method to appear refined and thoughtful in your style.
Launching today as part of Everlane Editions — a curated capsule series that focuses on classic pieces — the Destination Vacation collection is full of summer essentials and resort-ready pieces. Designed with warm weather travel in mind, the line includes walkable leather sandals (that can effortlessly be squeezed into your carry-on), breezy linen dresses, striped crochet maxi dresses, matching sets (think an off-shoulder smock top with a maxi skirt or a pajama-like button-up shirt with wide-leg pants in sky-blue and white stripes), and cozy cover-ups that can be worn while you’re exploring a city, laying at the beach, hanging out at your hotel, or heading out for evening plans.
You’ve probably owned a chronograph and may have not even realized it. We break down exactly what those dials on your watch are, how to use them, and how Apollo astronauts used them to fly in space.
You’ve seen them: those little dials on a watch. What are they? What purpose do they serve?
Before I knew, I would see the sub-dials on a chronograph-style watch and think: Exploration. Technical proficiency. Professionalism.
Chronographs are downright evocative … they carry an indefinable sense of early aircraft and open-wheel V12 race cars.
The question is, why are they so evocative?
How – in the age of smart watches – do chronographs continue to speak to watch lovers around the world more than 200 years after they were first invented?
Let’s discover how chronographs work, what each of those little dials is for, and the surprising history that makes them so stylish and functional.
What is a Chronograph?
If you have a watch with two to three smaller dials on the face and one or more buttons extending from the case, you might think you’re wearing a watch. In fact, you’re wearing a chronograph.
“Chronograph” is a GRE word for a timer. Chronographs can be utilized as a stopwatch without interfering with the timekeeping ability of the watch, and they can do it on different time spans (like a minute, an hour, or a day – more on that later).
Chronographs Are A Type Of “Complication”
In watch-speak, chronographs fall under the umbrella of complications – watches that perform more than one function.
Common complications include date-keeping, alarms, and – of course – chronographs for keeping different intervals of time.
Luxury watches may add lunar phases and other, well, complicated stuff as flourishes.
Taken together, the second hand and the sub-dials are a watch’s complications, and perform the stopwatch function that gives a chronograph its name.
The question is, where did chronographs come from? And what can their history tell us about why – visually and functionally – they’ve become so desirable?
The Amazing History Of Chronographs
While the origins of chronographs stretch back to the 1800s, it was the dawn of the aviation and automobile age that brought chronographs to wider popularity.
Race car drivers used chronographs to time laps. Pilots used – and still use – chronographs to time their path over the ground and determine airspeed, among other things. For decades, the military has equipped ship captains and submariners with chronographs to use in navigation. Chronographs are tools for jobs that require measuring time, distance, and speed, similar to how how divers use dive watches to track time submerged.
The list of functions a navigator can perform with a chronograph is remarkable, and feels rugged and self-reliant in an era of ubiquitous GPS: Rule-of-three and square root calculations, time, speed and distance calculations, fuel consumption rate, and turn rate, to name a few.
Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert with his chronograph prior to launch
The Most Famous Chronograph Of All Time
The most amazing story of chronographs in action has to be the ill-fated journey of Apollo 13 in 1970.
With their onboard computers fried by an explosion, the astronauts used their chronographs to time a crucial booster burn and avert disaster. Upon their safe return, NASA awarded Omega their prestigious Silver Snoopy Award – given to NASA contractors and employees who make exceptional contributions to flight safety.
Astronaut Jim Lovell recounts the maneuver as written about in Forbes:
(It) was done without our normal navigation equipment. We used the earth as a backline. We could see the earth, we could see the daytime and darkness and that line in between we call it twilight or the terminator,” he said. “We had a crosshair on the window of the lunar module so we could superimpose our crosshair on the earth’s terminator and that positioned the engine of our lunar module so we can make the correct movement to get back into the proper course to make a safe landing back on earth.”
He continued, “We had to burn the engine. Have it on only for a certain length of time: 14 seconds…. We used the (Omega) watch that Jack had on his wrist and I had to control the spacecraft. Jack timed the burn on the engine to make that correction to get back home safely.”
How To Use A Chronograph
Chronographs may look complicated, but using one is simple once you understand how.
Take this (very affordable) Seiko SSB031 for example:
Depressing the upper button starts the timer function.
The three complications – or sub-dials – activate as well, each keeping a different time interval. The dial at 9 o’clock counts up to 60 minutes. The dial at 6 o’clock counts seconds. The dial at 3 o’clock counts up to 24 hours.
It’s worth noting – on this chronograph (and any “real” chronograph) the red “second” hand isn’t for seconds. It’s the timer hand that you use for precise, second-by-second timing.
Depress the lower button to snap the red hand back to 12 o’clock, so you can restart the timing function while the sub-dials continue to count elapsed time.
Nifty, huh?
Keep in mind that every chronograph may operate a little differently or measure different units of time, but in general two push-buttons start, stop, and reset the timing function.
How to Use a Tachymeter on a Watch
One feature of many chronographs you may have noticed is the outermost ring on the bezel, called a tachymeter.
The tachymeter is a scale used to measure speed, distance, or both. Plus, it just looks pro.
How to Measure Speed with a Watch Tachymeter
To measure speed with a tachymeter, you need to know the distance you’re traveling.
Imagine you’re in a car driving down the highway and the speedometer fails, but highway patrol is on the prowl and you want to avoid a speeding ticket.
Take note of the mile markers and the instant you pass by one, press the start button on your chronograph. When you pass the next mile marker, press the stop button and note the number the timer hand is pointing to.
If the timer hand has traveled one full revolution back to 12 o’clock it should be pointing to the “60” on the tachymeter, indicating you’re traveling at 60 mph. If it’s pointing to “80” at the 9 o’clock position, you’re doing a cool 80 mph and better be mindful of the highway patrol.
Note that this function works for both miles per hour and kilometers per hour – as long as you know your unit of distance, the tachymeter will tell you the rate of speed traveled.
How to Measure Distance with a Watch Tachymeter
You can measure distance with a tachymeter by pressing the start hand when you reach a constant, known rate of speed. When the timer hand reaches the number representing your speed on the tachymeter bezel, you know you’ve traveled one mile (or one kilometer, if you’re doing km/h)
For example, imagine you’re driving at a constant, known speed of 70 miles per hour. You pass a known landmark and know you need to travel exactly 1 more mile before your turnoff. Press start on your chronograph and note when the timing hand passes “70” because you’ve just gone one mile.
Do You Need A Chronograph?
If you’re not a racecar driver, horse trainer, or pilot, why might you want such functions?
At any point in your day you need to mark time, a chronograph comes in handy. From resetting your wireless router to getting your peak heart rate to boiling pasta, it’s a useful tool to have on your wrist. Though, you likely have digital tools already at hand that can perform these common functions, also.
From a style perspective they evoke a legacy of discovery, speed, and technical achievement, and the visual complexity and timeless design that give chronographs their enduring appeal.
And, of course, you’ll have a reason to step forward and say, “I can time that for you.”
If you’re not into the airplane instrument aesthetic, luckily, digital watches have become fashionable for the first time since…ever.
Styled with a rugged, field watch band but still a fully functioning chronograph, the clunkily named AT0200-05E is an Eco-Drive – meaning it’s solar powered so you’ll never have to replace the battery. There’s a reason Citizen earned its place in our best watch brands by price guide.
The Bulova Lunar Pilot chronograph, originally designed for the rigors of space travel and famously worn during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, has etched its place in both horological and space exploration history. Crafted with precision engineering, the watch features a high-performance quartz movement, distinguished by its accuracy and durability. Its sleek, stainless steel case and black dial encapsulate a design that is both functional and stylish, appealing to those who value a timepiece with a storied past and a robust build who are also on a budget. See our full article here.
Closely linked with its most famous wearer Steve McQueen (who raced at Monaco), the square case and two subdials are as iconic now as they were in the 1960s.
Arguably THE chronograph, the Speedmaster is the very watch that saved the Apollo 13 astronauts during their mission critical engine burn to get back to earth.
Of course, it will set you back the cost of a half-decent used car, but hey – you value precision and heritage, right?
Emmy award-winning costume designer (Black Is King), celebrity stylist, and founder of Black Owned Everything, Zerina Akers is known for her use of bold colors and patterns. Akers, who says she shopped at Marshalls in high school, says the partnership was a no-brainer.
“Back then, having that kind of access to great pricing [at Marshalls] as I was finding my style — and now as a stylist using Marshalls as a resource to find things like jewelry — [this partnership] was a great opportunity to have my full circle moment,” Akers told Refinery29.
For spring/summer 2024, Akers is investing in bright colors, metallics, and interesting denim. As such, her fashion must-haves include a tropical-printed swimsuit, floral-patterned dresses and matching sets, and a chic summer blazer.
Festival season is back and more jam-packed than ever, with destination-worthy lineups across the country. With venues as varied as the genres, festival fashion is a meld of self-expression and the overall vibe. But the outfit also has to be practical — whatever you wear has to hold up over long days of navigating the festival grounds, which could range from mud to sand, and dancing to your favorite acts. Finding outfits that are both cute and functional can take some more planning as is. But, if you are a plus-size shopper, even more so, because you can’t necessarily just pop into any store to pick something up day-of. With this in mind, ahead, I’ve rounded up some plus-size festival fashion inspo, according to the types of music venues, so you can get started on your shopping ahead of summer.
Designed with vacation dressing in mind, the joyful, print-forward collection is inspired by Italian palazzos, Venetian glass, and shell-encrusted grottos, which translates into effortlessly glam pieces. Standout styles include breezy ruffle-trimmed kaftans, printed silk shirt-and-short sets, slinky maxi dresses, metallic swimwear, crocheted layers, and textured gold sandals. The capsule also features statement jewelry made with recycled brass.
It’s pretty impressive that both nerdy Clark Kent and suave superspy James Bond wear the same spring jacket style.
There is arguably no other jacket in the world of menswear that simultaneously embodies effortless “cool” and “buttoned-up” prep as well as the Harrington jacket, which has become a sartorial symbol of refined, yet rugged masculinity.
The Harrington jacket is a waterproof waist-length, zippered jacket with a stand-up collar, snap-button throat latch, elasticized cuffs and waistband, slanted flap pockets, and a distinctive tartan lining.
Originally designed for golfers in the 1930s by the British brand Baracuta, the Harrington has certainly always belonged in the old-school preppy aesthetic, but it was also revived time and again by the UK counterculture scenes of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s like mods, punks, and hipsters.
But the Harrington – known in the early days as a “Blouson” – was not just for golfers, rockers and rebels. Sometimes also referred to as a golf jacket or windbreaker, the Harrington jacket has also been the casual outerwear of choice among many US Presidents whenever they eschewed the suit and tie. JFK wore it while sailing, Bill Clinton almost made it his unofficial trademark, and it was often George W. Bush’s choice for when he was “out in the field”, addressing first responders or aircraft carriers.
“Blouson” is derived from the French Proveçal dialect for “short wool”. What we call “Harrington” has come to be a bit of a generic umbrella term for a casual collared jacket that is loose, short, and/or cinched around the waist.
You can count the World War II-era Flight Jacket as one of its relatives, and it’s also a cousin to similar styles like the Eisenhower or Bomber jacket. The lines between these styles have been somewhat blurred by the modern retail world so these monikers have become somewhat interchangeable. But we’re focusing here on the Harrington in the most traditional sense: lightweight, with a stand collar, ribbed or tapered waist, and slanted or vertical pockets.
One of the earliest and most celebrated of the Harrington’s many Hollywood appearances.
Rebel With a Jacket
James Dean famously donned a McGregor Drizzler jacket, an American counterpart to the British Harrington jacket, in the 1955 film “Rebel Without a Cause”, in which he gave it a defiant, uncouth flair by wearing it half zipped, showing off another style symbol of ‘50s youth: the plain white T-shirt.
Famous Men Wearing a Harrington Jacket
It didn’t all start with James Dean and JFK. To many, Elvis Presley’s turn in the “Blouson” jacket in the 1958 film “King Creole” is just as iconic.
One of the earliest kingmakers of the Harrington? The King himself
Frank Sinatra and Steve McQueen were so often photographed in the jacket in both their movies and personal lives that you could almost consider them unofficial ambassadors of the Harrington.
Steve McQueen in the 1968 film Thomas Crowne Affair wearing the original Baracuta G9, the jacket that started it all
In the 1960’s the jacket was famously worn by actor Ryan O’Neal in the primetime soap “Peyton Place” – and his character’s name was (hence the jacket’s nickname). But the man who should really be credited with the name “Harrington” catching on is John Simons, owner of the Ivy Shop, a trendsetting clothier in southwest London. After receiving the new G9 from Baracuta, Simons displayed it in his windows with a card attached to it. On the card he wrote “The Rodney Harrington Style”. After a while, he and his associates just started calling it the Harrington.
Pop culture icons like Ol’ Blue Eyes came to be so strongly associated with the jacket that in 2007, Baracuta celebrated their 70th anniversary by releasing a line of special edition G9 jackets with quotes by Presley, McQueen, and Sinatra printed on the lining
Even Arnold Palmer was so taken by the jacket that he collaborated with Baracuta when he launched his menswear collection in 1970.
Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent wearing a Harrington jacket in 1980’s Superman II
Almost 30 years later, Daniel Craig’s James Bond donned this slimmer cut Tom Ford version worn in 2008’s “Quantum of Solace”. It’s pretty impressive that both nerdy Clark Kent and suave superspy James Bond wear the same spring jacket style.
A battle-worn Harrington was especially fitting for Craig’s incarnation of 007: at the intersection of classic British elegance and rough-and-tumble rogue. Read our (00)7 Secrets to Bond’s Timeless Style
But the Harrington isn’t just a costume for unique and retro characters. Theo James’ refined, everyday casual style in Netflix’s recent “The Gentlemen” proves it can be worn in a smart casual way.
Jeremy Strong’s Kendall Roy from Succession wears a suede version to create a neutral-toned, refined casual style.
And if after all that you’re still not convinced that a regular guy can rock the Harrington, everyman Bill Burr in Old Dads shows it’s an easy jacket to wear with anything:
The G9
If we’re going to talk about the true origin of the Harrington (aka the classic Blouson), we must go back before its rebellious years to 1937, when Baracuta owners John and Isaac Miller of Manchester first started making what they called the “G9 Blouson”, with its stand-up collar, knit cuffs and waist, and slanted flap pockets. Another distinctive feature of the G9 was its red and green tartan lining.
This plaid was signed off by Simon Fraser, 24th Lord of the prominent Highland Scottish Clan Fraser of Lovat – now that’s old school
At the time, Baracuta was known for its functional rainwear and was once a supplier to the British troops in 1945 and for England’s World Cup Champion team in 1966 – but when the G9 landed in the US, it quickly became their defining pièce de résistance. The durability and light insulation of the jacket has made it official issue for postal workers and firefighters, as well as the police departments of Germany, Austria, Israel, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.
How to Wear a Harrington Jacket
The original G9 was designed for action (the “G” stands for golf). So you can look good in your Harrington even with a simple t-shirt and jeans (a la James Dean), and your favorite pair of boots or sneakers.
One of the beauties of the Harrington is its versatility. You can dress it down but it also goes great with chinos and polos or oxford button downs. And since the Harrington layers well and is a lightweight alternative to almost any jacket or hoodie, simply replace your sports coat with it.
Whenever I wear gingham I experience a mild panic before I leave my home, worried that I look too much like a picnic blanket. The two-toned checkered pattern makes me think of grassy lunches and yellow brick roads and the fabric shops my grandma used to take me to as a child. But it’s this nostalgia, paired with its general versatility, that makes gingham such a timeless print. While I only own a handful of gingham pieces — a red Ganni maxi dress, a second-hand overshirt and headscarf, and an overnight Baggu tote — this is a spring trend that I’m definitely co-signing.
Early red carpet predictions suggested more than one interpretation of the theme, which is customary of the event. Some said a literal interpretation of “time” might see celebrities wearing entire dresses made from vintage watch faces or embracing a clock motif — and while the latter was true of one or two attendees, “sands of time” was a more abstract take on the “time” aspect of the theme. Other predictions included gowns adorned with real, live, growing flowers and foliage, which didn’t eventuate; crystalline looks inspired by J.G Ballard’s 1962 short story, also titled The Garden of Time, which did. And of course, the expectation of florals, florals, and more florals turned out to be correct.
Compared to its brighter counterparts (à la dopamine dressing) a muted butter yellow is much easier to pair with other colors in your wardrobe. Especially adaptable for those who are color averse, butter yellow is the perfect spring neutral — and not just reserved for special occasions or high summer, as primary yellow often is. Just as a citrusy handbag can create a low-key statement, a creamy yellow shirt will go a long way as a basic staple. This trend is all about minimalist impact.
New York’s fashion set gathered Monday evening to feast their eyes on the latest offerings from Ralph Lauren, getting the first look at the designer’s fall/holiday 2024 collection inside Lauren’s private design studio.
The choice of venue was inspired by the brand’s first women’s show in 1972, which saw Lauren present to a small group of editors and friends in his office. This time around, stars including Jessica Chastain,Hannah Einbinder, Morgan Spector,Glenn Close,Kerry Washington,Jodie Turner-Smith, and more were on hand for the intimate showing. There, Christy Turlington, Anok Yai, Imaan Hammam,Elaine Irwin,Karolina Kurková, and Irina Shayk, among other models, brought to life the timelessness embodied by the collection, which features shimmering gowns galore alongside impeccably cut workwear in a range of neutral, warm tones.
“The woman I design for has a beauty that comes from an inner confidence,” Lauren explained in the collection’s show notes. “She dresses for herself. Her style is personal and bold. She’ll throw a hand-tailored jacket over a glamorous evening dress. She believes in quiet sophistication not defined by time or trends. My fall/holiday 2024 collection is inspired by that woman, her sense of timelessness, her individuality—a style that is forever.”
Gilded Age actor Spector, who was joined at the show by his wife, Rebecca Hall, called Lauren’s dedication to honoring his singular vision “incredibly impressive.” “Despite the scale of the company and the breadth of that vision, there’s a personal quality that feels precious these days,” he said.
Following the presentation, guests stepped out to celebrate the collection at the Polo Bar, another venue steeped in Lauren’s creativity.
I’ve personally always found strength in breaking the norm of what social and fashion standards mean when living in a Western society. With women’s bodies and dress codes constantly being a topic for debate, choosing to wear the hijab and dress modestly was, for me, an act of rebellion against beauty and fashion standards at the time. Instead of wearing mini skirts and mini dresses on their own, I styled them layered over jeans or maxi skirts; instead of wearing crop tops on their own, I wore them over loose, long-sleeve blouses for a layered effect.
The sun is out, the air is warmer, and, suddenly, our desire to run or take long walks outside, or just spend time in the park, increased by, well, a lot. If you’re struck by the same urge, and have also realized that the athleisure and fitness-ready section of your closet needs a bit of a refresh, here’s another incentive: Alo Yoga’s annual anniversary sale — aka the L.A.-based brand’s biggest sale of the year — has kicked off.
There are two voices in the men’s style world. One is that fashion is really hard and it takes dedication and a passion for the art form to get it right. The other is that dressing well is incredibly easy, all you have to know is the basics and you’ll be the best dressed man in the room.
But any guy who has, well, ever worn clothing, knows there’s another, frustrating aspect: Practicality.
You’re doing your best, you bought the thing that people said was good. But either because of your line of work, lifestyle, or unique body, something about your style is obstructing instead of doing its job—make you look and feel damn good, then be out of the way as you get on with your day.
You’re not alone, in fact, based on all the talking about men’s style I do with guys, it’s more the norm than the outlier.
So today I’m running down some specific style picks that address common frustrations Primer readers and friends have reached out about. These include struggling to look presentable in a job that requires a lot of moving around, options for sizes outside of the frustratingly narrow scale found at most stores, and more.
Nice-ish Business Casual Work Pants for Guys Who Move A Lot for Their Job, Get Hot, But Don’t Want to Wear Shorts or Hiking Pants
Take for example, my friend Eric who had an issue I’ve heard multiple times from Primer readers. Eric was wrestling with finding work attire that was practical and kept him presentable. Eric is the co-founder of a business that builds testing equipment for the aerospace industry. On any given day, he could be in a 90 degree airplane hanger wrestling heavy gear, running cables, troubleshooting over here and over there – and then have to give a presentation to the client in a boardroom an hour later.
“I need to work and not overheat, have some stretch, but have a fit that is intentional enough that I can still throw it on with a button down and not look like I’m wearing hiking pants,” he told me.
The find he’s been most happy with is the Free Radikl pant from Khul, which are technical pants offering stretch, reinforced construction, lightweight and quick-drying – and come in a modern, tailored fit without the zippers and pockets of many similar options on the market.
Stylish Pants for Guys with Inseams Longer Than 34
Men who wear larger sizes have always struggled to find options. But our tall, slim brethren perhaps have had it harder than most.
It’s true that common stores like J.Crew and Banana Republic offer an inseam length as long as 36 in some styles but only for larger waist sizes.
Stillman takes a 36 inseam
For guys like me who prefer an awkward 29-29.5 inseam, it’s annoying, but at least I can pay someone to remove fabric. If you need anything in an inseam longer than 34 that isn’t also accommodating a higher waist size, you can’t just pay a tailor to sew on extra denim to the bottom. (I mean, I guess they’d take your money, but I wouldn’t recommend the outcome.)
Stillman Brown is the perfect example of this. At 6’7”, Stillman’s 36 inseam makes one of the foundational requirements of participating in society – wearing pants – a significant challenge. “Levi’s has it for some, but it ruined pants shopping for me for a long time,” he told me.
Fortunately, in the last couple of years there have been more options than ever for taller guys. Recently when we were hanging out he told me about some new brands he’s come across. One is American Tall – it’s essentially a Banana Republic aesthetic and price but for guys 6’ to 7’1” (and women up to 6’6”).
So If you need a smart casual pair of stretch chinos in a 32×40 or a budget-friendly $129 pair of suede boots in size 16, now there’s a place to look.
PRIMER PARTNER
Underwear That Actually DOES Something
If you’re a guy that has to move a lot, the struggle of heat and chafing is real. From sweat to irritation to honest-to-goodness medical problems – the external male anatomy wasn’t designed for an extended lifespan cooped up in pants.
And while every iteration of the modern under garment, from boxers to briefs to boxer briefs, has been an attempt to silo those parts of the body from the legs, all were half measures with flaws of their own.
If there’s one type of guy that would know this alarmingly well, it’s a US Army veteran doing two tours in Iraq in 2007:
“I was under extremely hot conditions and all I wanted was a pair of underwear with a pouch or pocket to separate my balls to keep them from sticking to my legs. The male groin generates more heat than any other part of the body. Similar to the skull and the armpits. I had a hat and sleeves but my balls were out of control,” Robert Patton told Primer in 2017.
The undefeatable temperatures, heavy gear, and inherent stress meant life was a sweaty, chafed disaster. The soldier-turned-inventor got to work with the supplies he had on hand in the desert, fashioning his first prototype of the pouch underwear that would be the foundation of his eventual raving success, Sheath:
Patton’s first prototype, created in Iraq
Now 17 years later, Sheath is the official underwear of the UFC, relied upon by world-class fighters, Olympians, and law enforcement; and Inc. Magazine labeled the company one of the 100 fastest growing veteran-owned businesses in the United States. From that initial makeshift prototype, Patton’s Sheath brand now offers 5 versions, including single or dual pouches, differing lengths, material options like modal or bamboo, and a palette of colors and patterns.
I can personally vouch for them. I still have pairs from 2017(!) in my rotation because they’re in great condition. I was initially skeptical of how comfortable this could possibly be but they really do work as advertised. You completely forget you’re wearing anything different – except for the lack of swampiness and chafing. I didn’t recognize how beneficial the extra support was until I actually wore them.
Fortunately, you don’t have to take my word for it. Sheath offers a no-questions-asked 100% refund on your first pair, and a 6-month manufacturer warranty on defective items, plus Primer readers get an extra 20% off their first order.
Sunglasses for Low Nose Bridges
Stephen reached out to me frustrated about sunglasses. As he’s gotten more into developing his own personal style, he’s taken to the plastic sunglass frames common in a more refined aesthetic, but none of the ones he’s tried fit right.
“Every pair I’ve tried looks good for about 60 seconds but they always end up sliding down my face and sit on my cheeks,” he told me, “I’ve always been an aviator guy just because I can pinch the nose pads to force them to fit.”
The plastic acetate-style of sunglasses use the shape of the bridge, versus adjustable nose pads on metal styles like aviators, to hold them in place. So if you have a low nose bridge, there’s just no way these things are gonna stay up.
Fortunately, mainstream framemakers have started addressing this frustration. Brands like Warby Parker, Maui Jim, and Ray-Ban make acetate frames with wider, or in some cases, adjustable nose bridges so they stay put and don’t sit on your cheeks. Look for terms like “low nose bridge sunglasses” or “Asian fit sunglasses”.
Chinos for Guys Who Carry Things in Their Pockets (Everyone)
You know, we gave the old guys a hard time for their belt clip phone holders but at least they were doing something about a terribly annoying problem: Pants with side pockets like every pair of chinos, khakis, and dress pants cause your $1,000 smartphone to fall out CONSTANTLY.
We all smirked yet provided no alternative.
The Dockers Ultimate Chino is not only a budget-friendly, comfortable work pant that is widely available, it also features a sneaky hidden zip pocket right next to to the side pocket so you can keep your phone or keys or whatever else you want to haul without the risk of it sliding out every time you sit down.
It’s completely unnoticeable while zipped up and the pants can easily be worn dressed up or down.
Nicer Summer Shoes to Replace Boat Shoes
Connor messaged me with a plea more from his wife than him, “I grew up on the east coast but have lived with my wife in Ohio for 10 years. Every date night gets my go-to boat shoe treatment. She has been politely nudging me for years to get something a little less dock-ready.”
For some areas the boat shoe is akin to a white sneaker: It’s a perfectly acceptable uniform regardless of where you go. If you’re looking for something a little more refined, I’ve got just the thing, and for your part, you won’t even notice a difference.
Swapping your boat shoe for a suede loafer will give you the same summer comfort you’re used to but give off a little bit more of a dressy vibe. The right pair can still be worn with jeans and even in cooler temperatures, making them just as versatile as your go-to.
Dress Pants That Aren’t Dry Clean Only
Dress pants are usually made out of wool because of inherent temperature properties, ability to maintain shape, natural wrinkle resistance, and its ability to be woven in a variety of textures giving it a sophisticated look and feel.
Unfortunately, wool dress pants are typically labeled as “dry clean only” because the material can easily shrink, distort, or become felted if exposed to water and agitation. Linings and interfacing can also be damaged by regular machine washing.
“I have to wear dress pants almost every day of the week but I hate that I have to pay to have them cleaned so often,” Primer reader Jeremy lamented in a conversation we were having. My recommendation is textured cotton pants. The ones I’m wearing here are from Bonobos, and brands usually offer them in the fall. The benefit is since they’re cotton, they’re machine washable.
While not quite the same level of dressiness since they lack the fine, shiny weave of the dress pants, I’d argue they’re pretty interchangeable in a modern context for all but the dressiest situations. For a different option that’s currently available in a bunch of colors, check out the Weekday Warrior from Bonobos.
What are your solves for your clothing frustrations? Chat with me in the comments!
Regrettably, all dress shirts have a life span. At some point, no matter their quality or how lovingly you take care of them, repeated wear and washing have irreparable effects. And it’s not always a dramatic rip along a seam or a huge stain on the chest that forces a shirt into retirement. Oftentimes, it’s something small that sneaks up on you – usually something on or around the collar. There are many important steps to take when it comes to caring for collars on button up shirts but the best place to start is to simply unbutton button down collars and flip them up before throwing them in the wash.
This technique has three invaluable effects:
It ensures that your collar tips and button holes will not get stretched out while in the laundry, helping them continue to lay flat, snugly button down, and retain sharp, clean edges all the way around. If you’ve ever had a shirt where you have to try to “re-crease” the collar because it’s riding up, it’s because you’ve been washing and drying them with the collars buttoned.
The collar’s buttons avoid being subjected to undue stress during the wash cycle, which will subsequently reduce the chances of the button’s stitching later coming loose at an inopportune moment.
With the collar unfastened and flipped up, both sides of the collar (particularly the oft-neglected underside of the collar crease) will get thoroughly cleaned (and dried).
The benefits of this practice may not be immediately obvious the next time you check yourself out in the mirror but your collar will retain its off-the-rack crispness and fold for a much longer time, which is a priceless feature for a wardrobe staple like a button-down shirt.
Bonus tip! In a crowded closet or cramped garment bag, flipped-down collars can get flattened, deformed, and creased. So, after washing and drying your shirts, hang them with the collars flipped up to ensure they remain pristine while in storage.
Launching this week, the limited-edition jewelry collection — which follows the 2014 partnership between the two New York-based brands — captures the nautical spirit of the classic American brand by finding inspiration in archival J.Crew catalogs circa the ’90s, as well as in the personal vintage charm collection of its womenswear director, Olympia Gayot. Catbird then took things a step further by also looking to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the home base for its jewelry studio, to complete the maritime vibe of the capsule.
Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
Yes, April enjoys giving us showers every now and then, but the smell of spring is in the air, meaning the chances of having sunny days in a row are getting closer by the minute.
In the world of fashion, things have also been heating up thanks to a slew of celebrity-studded events. Beyoncé had everyone scrambling to find their cowboy hats and boots at the start of the month with the release of Cowboy Carter, while Zendaya has been capturing hearts with her tennis-inspired Challengers press tour looks, including a racket-adorned Thom Browne gown and Loewe tennis ball-spiked stilettos.
For the beauty fans, the arrival of Coachella marked a major moment in the makeup calendar, with Hollywood flocking to Palm Springs in an array of desert-designated looks. Megan Fox proved that blue is the color trend of the season by adding wavy extensions to her new seafoam bob. Gwen Stefani wore face gems and glitter liner for her performance with No Doubt, while Chloe Bailey had us reaching for our nearest purple shadow thanks to her heavenly all-lavender look.
But if you’re searching for some fashion and beauty inspiration beyond the stage and screen this month, we’ve got you covered with an array of new products and collections turning heads.
To discover all the launch news that has us excited this April, read on ahead…
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Pool weather is here — according to Skims, at least. The Kim Kardashian-owned brand just debuted its Swim Shop, which features brand-new styles, prints, and colors (think: mesh cover-ups, snake-print separates, and a bold ruby red) that will seriously up your beach style game.
New York-based fans of RIXO — which is known for its vintage-inspired, pattern-forward pieces that have been worn by Kate Middleton — have reason to celebrate: The British fashion house has finally opened a pop-up shop in NYC’s SoHo neighborhood. Running for three months, the pop-up will offer a curated selection of core RIXO pieces, plus items from its SS24 collection in person. There will also be on-site styling sessions, panel talks, shopping events, and other community-focused events during the pop-up’s run.
Upcycling takes center stage in the new collaboration between clothing rental subscription service Nuuly and Brooklyn-based designer Zero Waste Daniel. For the collection, Zero Waste Daniel upcycled 1,300 denim pieces from Nuuly’s retired rental inventory and used them to create 10 styles that have been added back to the service’s offerings. An A-line skirt, for example, was transformed into a Denim Cross Top, while the leftover material was incorporated into the Scrap Jacket. The capsule collection is part of the Re_Nuuly initiative, in which Nuuly repurposes old stock. Learn more at nuuly.com
Re_Nuuly x Zero Waste Daniel Patchwork Scrap Jacket, $, available at Nuuly
COS’ latest Atelier Collection — which debuted on a runway in Rome in March — is here, and it’s just as covetable as you’d expect. Once again, for the line, the Swedish brand put the spotlight on the artisans and craftsmanship behind its stylish pieces, and for spring/summer 2024, the limited-edition line looked to the elongated silhouettes and fluid fabrics of the ’90s for inspiration. Find extra-long boleros, crinkled chiffon blouses, bandeau maxi dresses with flared skirts, leather goods, and unisex jewelry.
Darlings, Ms. Tilbury has just announced a new emotion-filled fragrance collection and we are intrigued. Made with neuroscience experts and master perfumers, the collection aims to ignite deep feelings with the power of scent. While it’s well known that scent can unlock memories, the perfumes aim to trigger the olfactory receptors in the brain to feel emotions like love, calmness and even seduction. Our favorite of the scents has to be the happiness-inducing Joyforia, a warm and floral scent with notes of vanilla, coconut and ylang-ylang. However, for those who prefer something more woody, go for the Magic Energy, with notes of bergamot and palo santo. Shop from April 30th at Charlotte Tilbury
The Jones Road Miracle Balms might have put the brand on the map, but this month we’ve got our eye on the new tinted Lippie Sticks. For those who enjoy a traditional twist up lip balm, this thick stick is perfect for nourishing lips while still giving a subtle wash of color. For those who like a deep shade, the Blackberry tint is ideal for a just-bitten finish. But for those who are looking for something light for the spring season, Buff is the perfect peachy pink. Available in 11 different shades, the balm (made from plant-based oils and cocoa butter) is best for those looking to achieve a barely-there beauty look, engineered by a mastermind makeup artist.
Spring may have just arrived, but Damson Madder is going full high summer with the launch of its Golden Hour collection this month. Featuring 22 pieces of 100% cotton clothing, the color palette is all about bright, sun-inspired shades, including pink striped linen pants, orange broderie co-ords and cherry red mini dresses. Food is also a major motif in the collection, with papaya- and lemon-printed shorts and shirts standing as some of the standout styles. For those searching for something to wear for their first dip of the year, the swimwear is another major draw, thanks to its cocktail-themed bikinis and leopard-print shirred swimsuits.
UGG is synonymous with utilitarian winter boots, but thanks to the Tasman silhouette getting the It-Girl seal of approval (Selena Gomez is a fan!), the brand is back into the forefront of fashionable footwear. For the spring/summer season, the footwear brand is stepping away from the shearling linings and into the world of hot weather-appropriate styles thanks to a new collaboration with Collina Strada. Teaming up with the New York designer, the latest collection includes six new silhouettes, including floral lace-up sandals, Mary-Janes with spiked silver hardware and beaded flamingo-printed clogs. Bonus: The colorful collection is entirely vegan.
Okay, the Inkey List may have made their name with super-affordable face products, but now, the internet-favorite brand is taking their talents over to body care. The first of the two products is the PHA Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Water Cream, a daily-use two-in-one lotion that promises to to exfoliate and add moisture with its non-comedogenic formula (ideal for those with breakout prone backs and chests). However, Inkey’s second body care product is the one we have our eye on, promising to target skin concerns like KP bumps, ingrown hairs and breakouts. The Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, which comes in a deodorant-like formula, combines spot-fighting salicylic acid with glycolic acid and shea butter to tackle rough skin in all forms.
Known best for its array of Hailey Bieber-approved earrings, Heaven Mayhem is now making waves with its belt category. Featuring eight new statement designs, the newest collection is animal inspired and features glistening gold and silver hardware. For those wanting a sexy adornment, the Los Angeles brand has a premium pebbled cream leather design with an 18k gold-plated buckle. For those who enjoy a more simple silhouette, there’s the chic bean belt with a thin waistband and smooth stone-shaped detailing.
When you think of Cartier, you likely think of the two-tone Panthère watch or the Love bracelet. But while Cartier might be most famous for its array of iconic jewelry, it also has a selection of luxury leather accessories. This April, the brand has launched a new luxury tote bag in two tasty colorways, including a deep cherry red and midnight black. Featuring elaborate embroidery with the maison’s initials, the large tote bag features a detachable leather pouch on the inside for extra storage. Created using textured calfskin, both designs feature a golden hot-stamped “Cartier” signature on the inside, for that added sprinkle of elegance. Shop now at Cartier
Nike x Bode Team Up For Bode Rec.
Nike’s latest designer collab is here. The athletic brand has joined forces with luxury New York-based label Bode for Bode Rec., a capsule collection that brings a playful retro vibe to sportswear essentials: track jackets, woven shorts, jerseys, and more. There’s now sold-out collection also includes a new take on the Nike Astrograbber, a waffle-soled sneaker style that dates back to the ’70s but hasn’t been rereleased since then.
We all know that SPF is important all year round, but as the sun starts to rear its head a little more in spring, it’s something we should be seriously focusing on. Skincare brand Kate Somerville has a new formula just in time for the changing of the seasons, promising a hydrating and illuminating finish. Containing a high concentration of zinc oxide to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays, the product also includes ectoin, a nourishing amino acid that supports the skin barrier and aims to combat skin damage caused by pollution. Plus with a light tint added into the formula, the SPF also promises to rid any white cast for a natural radiant finish that suits all skin tones.
